BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – Bexar County officials explained Wednesday that they are not only focusing on slowing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), as there are 11 confirmed cases, but also providing financial aid.

County Judge Nelson Wolff, tax assessor-collector Albert Uresti, and Sheriff Javier Salazar took to the podium inside Bexar County Courthouse to list the ways in which the department plans to help residents, financially and otherwise.

One of the main initiatives is to help small businesses, mom-and-pop shops across the county with grants and loans to provide relief as the country and the world is being told to stay home, self-quarantine and practice social distancing.

The country has partnered with San Antonio Area Foundation to provide up to $5 million in interest-free loans, allowing businesses to access up to $250,000 each for relief. Extended payment plans will also be put in place. Officials are working to make these accessible as soon as possible.

Uresti said that the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector office will work to suspend delinquent mortgages, eviction notices, late fees and fines for the next 90 days, and for Texas vehicle registrations and title applications will be postponed and payments to be moved online.

There is also a three-lane drive-thru still open at the South Side location. The county is also working to suspend foreclosures.

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“We are here to help,” Uresti said during the press conference.

In reference to courthouse operations, district judges have taken responsibility to lower person-to-person cases, even canceling hearings for misdemeanor crimes.

Salazar said the county jails are testing deputies and anyone admitted into the jails--at least one person has been turned away and sent to the hospital for testing.

For more information on county procedures, check the website.

For the latest information from the CDC go here.