SAN ANTONIO — In a week that has seen nearly 3,000 new COVID-19 cases reported in San Antonio since Monday, and with New Year's Eve celebrations almost here, University Health on Thursday gave a stern warning: Avoid the parties and crowds.
Citing an increase in hospitalizations stemming not just from the coronavirus but other major ailments as well, UH officials said in a press release that its emergency rooms are seeing "a huge spike in patients," and encouraged the community to play it safe this weekend by skipping in-person gatherings.
On Thursday 352 Bexar County residents were hospitalized with COVID-19, the highest that number has been since mid-October, and long lines have reappeared at testing sites around town this week. Metro Health officials said earlier this week that omicron has become the dominant coronavirus strain in our area.
"The spread of COVID is happening across the community, including among health care workers," University Health's release states. "We need everyone to do all they can to help prevent a real crisis in our community."
UH said emergency room trips should be reserved only for a "true emergency," adding that the first point of contact for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should be their primary care provider.
Despite the warning, San Antonio's official New Year's Eve celebration is still a go at this point, with thousands expected to descend on downtown Friday night for Celebrate SA's in-person return after going virtual in 2020.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg took to Twitter Thursday morning to remind San Antonians to stay the course as the pandemic stretches on. He's expected to be joined by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, University Health leaders and Sheriff Javier Salazar Friday morning to further discuss the latest in the local COVID-19 response.