Here is why the 78207 zip code on the West Side has among the most COVID-19 cases in the city
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San Antonio and Bexar County’s daily report of COVID-19 cases includes a break down of surveillance by zip codes, which shows the heart of the West Side has one of the highest counts of infected patients.
San Antonio and Bexar County’s daily report of COVID-19 cases includes a break down of surveillance by zip codes, which shows the heart of the West Side has one of the highest counts of infected patients.
Photo: Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio and Bexar County’s daily report of COVID-19 cases includes a break down of surveillance by zip codes, which shows the heart of the West Side has one of the highest counts of infected patients.
San Antonio and Bexar County’s daily report of COVID-19 cases includes a break down of surveillance by zip codes, which shows the heart of the West Side has one of the highest counts of infected patients.
Photo: Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio and Bexar County’s daily report of COVID-19 cases includes a break down of surveillance by zip codes, which shows the heart of the West Side has one of the highest counts of infected patients.
Reporting by zip code began on March 28. At that point, the 78209 zip code, which encompasses Alamo Heights, reported the most cases at 9-12. Jump a month ahead and now 78207, an area historically marked by high poverty, has more than 80 cases. The reporting has caused a concern for some residents in those neighborhoods. Metro Health explained why the area leads the city in cases.
READ MORE: The latest news and features about coronavirus in San Antonio
Michelle Vigil, a spokeswoman for the department, said cases at the Bexar County Jail, which is in the 78207 zip code, are included in the daily count. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office reported mass testing is being conducted at the facility, resulting in 98 inmates, 40 detention deputies, three civilians and one in law enforcement testing positive as of Thursday. Of those cases, 76 inmates, 26 detention deputies, two civilians and the sole law enforcement officer are still actively fighting the virus.
Vigil said officials are working on what the next tier after the “81+” column for the zip code chart will be as testing increases.
Removing the jail cases, the 78207 zip code has reported between 21-40 cases overall, Vigil said.
The West Side zip code is joined by 78222 in the 80 or more tier. The area includes the cases Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, which was marked as a hot spot in the city, after more than 70 of the 84 residents tested positive.
The city is trying to reach vulnerable neighborhoods through Metro Health’s Community Heath and Prevention Team. The groups have gone door-to-door on the South and West sides of town to supply residents with informational materials in English and Spanish on known cases and guidance on how to stop the spread, according to a San Antonio Express-News report.
Two additional drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites opened last week to provide access to underserved and minority communities, according to the city. Like the site at the Freeman Coliseum, the new testing site at Texas MedClinic at 2530 S.W. Military is free and intended for those who do not have health insurance through a partnership with South Texas Regional Advisory Council. People exhibiting symptoms are asked to call 210-233-5970 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to be screened over the phone. If a test is needed, the screener will set up a time.
The other site is at the Wal-Mart at 8923 W. Military Dr. and is available at no cost to those exhibiting symptoms and all health care providers and first responders, symptomatic or not. Those eligible for testing can sign up for an appointment at www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com.
Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | [email protected] | @maddyskye
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