70 COVID-19 cases reported at San Francisco's largest homeless shelter

Homeless encampment seen on Monday, April 6, 2020, in San Francisco. Homeless encampment seen on Monday, April 6, 2020, in San Francisco. Photo: Ben Margot/Associated Press Photo: Ben Margot/Associated Press Image 1 of / 49 Caption Close 70 COVID-19 cases reported at San Francisco's largest homeless shelter 1 / 49 Back to Gallery

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San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced Friday there are 70 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus at the St. Vincent De Paul Society's Multi-Service Center South, the city's largest homeless shelter.

"One of the real challenging situations could have been worse will be a little bit better [because] we were preparing to ensure we were able to respond quickly," she stated. "We have identified 70 people — 68 members of shelter, 2 staff members — who have tested positive for COVID-19. This is one of the largest shelters in San Francisco with anywhere on any given night 340 people that are located in that shelter."

City public health chief Grant Colfax stated that MSC-South will now be converted into a medical facility while other occupants will be moved to hotels.

"It will reduce transports and collate patients with a dedicated staff of healthcare professionals who can attend their needs," he said.

The St. Vincent De Paul Society describes MSC-South as "San Francisco’s largest and most extensive homeless shelter," and offers beds, meals and educational services at the facility.

In a letter to the community at the beginning of the outbreak, the society stated that staff members were stretched thin and asked for community assistance.

"During public health crises like the COVID-19 outbreak, those living in poverty are disproportionately impacted," the society's website states. "When schools are closed and people can’t work, the services we provide—shelter, food and safety-net services for homeless individuals and survivors of domestic violence—are even more in demand. Yet we’re facing unprecedented challenges ourselves. Staff are working around the clock, sometimes without access to basic supplies, like toilet paper and masks, but remain determined to keep our doors open for those who are severely impacted. Now more than ever St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco needs your support to make sure our programs remain operational."

Preventive measures MSC-South is taking to curb the spread of the virus include frequent cleanings and requiring that occupants remain in the shelter unless they have essential business to conduct.

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Eric Ting is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting