BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – The City of San Antonio and Bexar County Offices of Emergency Management took a rare action by sending a Wireless Emergency Alert to all phones in the area on Saturday evening, advising residents to stay inside due to the immense spread of coronavirus.

With 795 new COVID-19 cases reported Saturday--the highest daily count yet--a record 58 COVID-related EMS transports, two more deaths, and 730 patients now in area hospitals, local officials felt the need to warn all residents to stay home, wear face coverings, practice social distancing and avoid gathering with people outside of their households.

READ MORE | Texas Reports 5,747 More COVID-19 Cases Amid Surge

“This action is reserved for only for emergencies, and we have clearly reached emergency status,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “We need every person in San Antonio and Bexar County to take this crisis seriously and behave accordingly to slow the exponential growth of the virus.”

Nirenberg emphasized the importance of the decision on issue the alert in a 7:30 p.m. video that was posted on his social media pages.

The message sent was as follows:

STAY HOME. The COVID-19 virus is spreading rapidly across Bexar County. Local hospitals are approaching capacity. Protect yourself and your family. Stay home except for essential activities, wear a face covering and avoid gathering with people outside your household. STAY SAFE. For more info visit http://www.covid19.sanantonio.gov

READ MORE | Gov. Abbott Re-Closes Bars, Reduces Restaurant Occupancy as COVID-19 Spirals