Community advocates urge San Francisco to enhance testing in SROs amid COVID concerns

In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, public health officials and community advocates engaged in a critical discussion regarding the ongoing COVID-19 response, particularly focusing on testing mandates in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing. The meeting highlighted concerns about proposed amendments to existing health orders that could dilute essential testing requirements.

Key speaker Mr. Fujioka expressed strong opposition to the Department of Public Health's (DPH) request to amend the legislation, emphasizing that the testing mandate is a vital component of the public health order. He noted that the order has already begun to fulfill its purpose by increasing testing in SROs, which are home to many vulnerable residents. Fujioka warned against scaling back testing efforts, especially in light of anticipated surges in COVID-19 cases, and called for DPH to ensure timely and complete data disclosure, as previous compliance issues had raised concerns.

Community advocate Diana Flores echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for an equitable approach to public health that addresses the unique challenges faced by low-income and marginalized populations, particularly within the Latinx community. She highlighted the alarming overlap of workforce and ethnic demographics in SROs, urging the city to enhance outreach and education efforts to ensure residents feel supported in accessing health resources. Flores also pointed out the insufficient testing rates in the Mission District, where only a fraction of SROs have been tested.

Concerns about privacy and safety were also raised during public comments. One resident highlighted the risks of discrimination against individuals identified as COVID-19 positive, stressing the importance of maintaining privacy in contact tracing efforts. Another speaker, Eric Marcoux, underscored the urgency of adhering to testing agreements in SROs, warning that delays could lead to rapid virus transmission among vulnerable populations.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges in managing public health in San Francisco, particularly for marginalized communities. As discussions continue, the need for robust testing, transparent data sharing, and respect for residents' privacy remains paramount. The DPH is expected to address these concerns in future meetings, as community advocates push for stronger protections and resources for those most affected by the pandemic.