The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Launches Heartshake, Con Corazón, SA, to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

In response to the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases, the Heartshake, Con Corazón, campaign is meant to unite residents, while social distancing

SAN ANTONIO (April 7, 2020) – As a connector of small and large businesses, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber launched the Heartshake, Con Corazón, SA a bilingual campaign to unite the community with a a positive message, while also flattening the curve. Con Corazón, SA will promote social distancing, while protecting our residents and keeping their loved ones, work colleagues, friends, and neighbors connected during the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing a new touch-free greeting.

Con Corazón, SA is led by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber’s Chairwoman Dr. Erika Gonzalez and the Healthcare and Bioscience Committee. A task force of experts was assembled along with community partners including UTSA Demography, TAMUSA Sociology Departments, Councilman Roberto Treviño’s office, Metro Health, the City of San Antonio, STAAMP Allergy, SAVE Clinic, and Duable. The task force’s mission is to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in San Antonio and decrease mortality risk by reinforcing social distancing practices.

San Antonio has a high at-risk population due to a number of factors:

• Higher rates of people suffering from diabetes, hypertension, asthma and other immune disorders
• San Antonio is the most economically segregated city in the nation.  Low economic communities lack access to healthcare, health insurance, community density, economic pressure to work, and lower life expectancy
• Cultural norms such as greetings and religious practices can accelerate the spread of disease among ethnic minorities including Latinos and African Americans.

“We realized early on that with all our direct ties to the Hispanic community, we needed to create new cultural norms to slow the spread and save lives,” said Dr. Erika Gonzalez, Chair of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “With the Heartshake, San Antonio has an alternative method to gesture ‘hello’ or ‘I love you’ without making physical contact. I am proud of all of our partners who have made the Con Corazón, SA bilingual campaign possible.”

Traditionally Hispanic cultures embrace each other with “abrazos y besos” and this campaign will encourage new cultural norms with a “heart shake” greeting in place to reduce contact, yet still show affection that many are accustomed to. The Heartshake, or saludo deCorazón, is the new handshake, hug or kiss in social distancing. Say “I love you” or “hello” by placing one hand over your heart and tapping twice.  This tells the person you’re greeting that while we may be maintaining our distance to protect each other, we’re in this together. 

By slowing the spread, we prevent overwhelming hospitals so they can continue providing critical care to all patients, including those affected by COVID-19. Heartshake, Con Corazón, SA can help mitigate the risks and potentially save thousands of lives.

Con Corazón, SA!