COVID-19 is back on the rise in Bexar County. Here's what you need to know. – KSAT

COVID-19 is back on the rise in Bexar County. Here’s what you need to know.  KSAT

Local hospitals continue to see more cases of COVID-19 as students head back to the classroom, prompting health experts to warn of a second season for respiratory illnesses. SAN ANTONIO – Local hospitals continue to see more cases of COVID-19 as students head back to the classroom, prompting health experts to warn of a second season for respiratory illnesses. “We are seeing COVID cases increase here in Bexar County,” said Dr. Jason Bowling, University Health’s chief epidemiologist and a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at UT Health San Antonio. The rise, which for the third straight year fell during the late summer, indicates to Bowling that public health officials should be considering respiratory illnesses beyond the traditional winter months we associate with the cold and flu.

The increase in cases, which has been seen across the state, prompted the San Perlita Independent School District in the Rio Grande Valley to temporarily close after a “rapid rise” in COVID-19 cases. “In a smaller school, it’s easier to run out of people to teach classes,” Bowling said. “If there’s enough disease transmitting that quickly, having a brief break might decrease some of the transmission and reduce the risk of further infections.” San Antonio-area school districts told KSAT they have not yet seen an increase in illnesses among their staff or students