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COVID-19 FAQs

Show All Answers

1. How can I stay updated on COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and other related topics?

• Sign up for City of San Marcos updates via email and/or text through our website using Notify Me. Opt-in to receive general notifications, News Flash press releases, calendar notifications, and more.
• Sign up to receive text updates through Hays County. You can get alerts sent straight to your phone. Text "COVID" to 844-928-3213 to receive alerts when vaccine appointments become available.
• Follow the City of San Marcos, TX - City Hall, Hays County, Texas, and Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra Facebook pages for the latest information. Add these pages to your favorites for their posts to appear higher in your newsfeed and choose to receive notifications for new posts and live events.

Other Pages to Visit:

• Hays County EOC COVID-19 Information & Appointment Portal
• Hays County News and Announcements
• Hays County COVID-19 Information

2. How do I find out more information about COVID-19 vaccinations?

• Vaccine Provider Locations
• Hays County Vaccine FAQs
• State Health Department COVID-19 Vaccination Information
• State Vaccine Data Dashboard
• Hays County EOC COVID-19 Information & Appointment Portal
• Hays County News and Announcements
• Hays County COVID-19 Information

3. Where can I get a vaccine?

• Vaccine Provider Locations
• Hays County Vaccine FAQs
• State Health Department COVID-19 Vaccination Information
• State Vaccine Data Dashboard
• Hays County EOC COVID-19 Information & Appointment Portal
• Hays County News and Announcements
• Hays County COVID-19 Information

4. COVID-19 Vaccine Questions

Hays County has created a COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ page.

5. How can we help to contain the virus and prevent community spread?

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day, including between your fingers and underneath your nails.
• Hand sanitizers should be used only when handwashing is not available and should be at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective.
• Avoid handshaking, high-fives and hugging;
• Practice social distancing – stay at least 6 feet away from others not in your household;
• Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose, and mouth;
• Stay home when you feel sick;
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue then put the tissue in the trash, or use the crook of your elbow if a tissue isn’t available;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe;
• Avoid large gatherings, groups of 10 or more.
• Avoid travel to areas that have been designated high-risk areas because of multiple verified cases of COVID-19.

6. What are the best practices to decrease chance of contracting the virus?

Best practices and helpful information are currently available on the City of San Marcos website and on the CDC website.

7. Are we required to provide documentation to law enforcement about essential travel when we are out and about?

Police officers have no legal requirement to request documentation from any individual about why they are traveling.

8. Where in Hays County/San Marcos can I be tested?

Testing locations can be found here on the City’s website.  The testing stations offer oral swab tests. Anyone is eligible to participate in the testing, with or without symptoms present. An appointment is required, no walk-ups are allowed. You will need an ID or insurance card to make an appointment. Appointments can be made by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer or visiting Curative’s website. The testing is provided at no cost to the individual and is available to anyone, whether or not they reside in Hays County. Curative is now billing private insurance companies for test services, but there will be no out-of-pocket cost to the individual being tested. Those without insurance will not be turned away and will receive the test for free.

9. Is testing free or do I have to pay?

Testing is provided at no cost to the individual and is available to anyone, whether or not they reside in Hays County. Curative is now billing private insurance companies for test services, but there will be no out-of-pocket cost to the individual being tested. Those without insurance will not be turned away and will receive the test for free. Testing locations can be found here on the City’s website

10. Can someone with no health insurance get tested for COVID-19?

Yes, people with no health insurance have the option of getting tested at a public health lab or at a private lab. Testing locations can be found here on the City’s website.  

11. When should I get tested?

You should call your health care provider or the local health department if you are experiencing fever above 100.4 along with cough, chest congestion, or shortness of breath. You will be asked a series of questions to determine whether you meet certain testing criteria before you can be tested.

Testing criteria includes having fever, cough, shortness of breath PLUS:

- have had close contact with a confirmed case,

- have traveled to a location with ongoing transmission of COVID-19,

- have risk factors for getting very sick from COVID-19, or

- being hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms even if you do not have any risk factors.

12. Have any travel restrictions been placed at the San Marcos Municipal Airport?

No travel restrictions have been implemented at the airport.  However, the travel restrictions in place nationwide do apply to people traveling to and from our airport.  We will provide ongoing updates.

13. If my job is impacted by state or federally mandated closures, will my landlord be able to evict me if I can't pay my rent?

Evictions are civil matters between landlord and tenant and are presided over by our local Justices of the Peace.

On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, the San Marcos City Council passed an ordinance requiring a landlord to provide a Notice of Proposed Eviction prior to issuing an actual Notice to Vacate. The San Marcos ordinance gives tenants a 90-day period to cure any delinquency as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

General information for tenants, including eviction and foreclosure moratoriums, can be found on the City’s Info for Tenants and Homeowners page and Lease-Tenant Resources page. 

14. I need help with paying my utility bill, what do I do?

Resources and information are available for San Marcos residents affected by COVID-19. We’ll post links below as they become available during this rapidly-changing situation. Click here for information for tenants and landlords and utility, rent, and mortgage assistance options at a glance. More information can be found on our Resident Resources page.

15. Is there a web site or other type of computer site that I can access that will answer at least some of my questions?

The best resource is still the CDC’s site and the several pages they have created specifically to answer questions for various segments of our communities about the COVID-19 situation. We also have helpful info on the City’s COVID-19 Information page and the Hays County Emergency Operations Center.

16. Current resources for local businesses in San Marcos

• The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce has resources available to local businesses, such as resources for businesses facing possible layoffs, Small Business Loans due to the impact of COVID-19, and tax relief available through the IRS.
• COSM Business and Workforce Resources page
• Greater San Marcos Partnership
• San Marcos Convention & Visitor Bureau
• Small Business Administration

17. Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area Resources

The WSRCA team is committed to meeting the needs of job seekers and employers in our nine-county region as a result of COVID-19, and want to ensure that the health and safety of our customers and staff are taken into consideration in these difficult times. Although the career centers currently remain open, there are several options you may choose to receive services: in person, on the Workforce Solutions website,  Work in Texas website, or via phone at 512-244-2207, or toll free at 1-866-518-0576.

18. You can help San Marcos too!

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce is Seeking your Feedback. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey to help us better understand how COVID-19 is impacting your business.