Board enacts emergency protections for SRO tenants, mandates testing and quarantine outreach

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on May 19 adopted two measures aimed at reducing COVID-19 transmission and preventing housing loss among single-room-occupancy (SRO) residents.

The legislation requires the Department of Public Health (DPH) to implement culturally competent case investigation, testing, contact tracing and isolation protocols for SROs and mandates eviction protections and temporary rent relief for SRO tenants unable to pay because of the pandemic.

Supervisor Peskin introduced the pair of items as a package of protections for SRO residents and proposed an amendment that added a firm timeline for outreach and testing. As amended, the ordinance requires that “within 48 hours of such confirmation, contact all occupants of the residential hotel in which the SRO resident resides, and all close contacts of the SRO resident to offer and initiate COVID-19 testing for such individuals on the site of the residential hotel.” Supervisor Walton seconded the amendment. The board adopted the amendment and both measures in roll-call votes that were unanimous (11–0).

Why this matters: SRO residents live in congregate settings—shared bathrooms and kitchens—that public health officials say increase COVID-19 risk. Sponsors and speakers said the measures direct DPH to prioritize testing, case investigation, culturally competent outreach, and to report data on cases and quarantine placements by building type.

Key provisions and debate - Public-health protocols: The ordinance directs DPH to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate outreach, case investigation, testing and contact tracing focused on SRO residents and their close contacts. It also requires clearer guidance to health care providers and testing sites about SRO-specific needs. - Testing timeline amendment: Supervisor Peskin’s amendment adds the 48-hour outreach-and-testing requirement for confirmed cases in residential hotels; the board approved the amendment and the subsequent roll call showed 11 ayes. - Eviction and rent-relief rules: The companion ordinance amends the Administrative Code to bar landlords of residential hotel units from evicting tenants for pandemic-related nonpayment of rent and from imposing late fees. The ordinance also establishes a COVID-19 SRO relief fund to cover rent payments for eligible tenants. - Data and reporting: The measures require accurate, building-level reporting of confirmed COVID-19 cases, quarantine unit counts, and other SRO-specific metrics to improve transparency.

Voices at the meeting - Supervisor Peskin introduced and framed the package, saying the pandemic had focused attention on highly transmissive sites and that the legislation was necessary to get DPH and other agencies to act. - Supervisor Haney and others said the rules were needed to protect vulnerable residents who cannot socially distance in SROs. - Several supervisors asked to be added as co-sponsors during discussion; the amendment was seconded by Supervisor Walton and passed unanimously.

Formal actions - Item 22 (emergency ordinance on SRO COVID-19 protocols): motion to amend offered by Supervisor Peskin; seconded by Supervisor Walton; amendment adopted by roll call (11 ayes). Item 22 as amended adopted by roll call (11 ayes). Outcome: approved. - Item 23 (ordinance amending Administrative Code to prohibit certain evictions and to create an SRO relief fund): passed on first reading by roll call (11 ayes). Outcome: first reading passed.

What the actions do not do - The board’s measures direct DPH and the city to adopt specified protocols and create a relief fund; they do not themselves create an immediate, citywide hoteling program or specify exact funding disbursements beyond establishing the relief mechanism.

Next steps and implementation - Departments named in the ordinances (DPH, the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and others) must draft implementing procedures and report back as required by the language adopted by the board. Supervisors asked for expedited execution and clearer timelines for testing rollouts in shelters and SROs.

Speakers (whom quotes and attributions may reference) - Supervisor Peskin — Supervisor — government - Supervisor Haney — Supervisor — government - Supervisor Preston — Supervisor — government - Supervisor Walton — Supervisor — government - Supervisor Ronan — Supervisor — government

Authorities - ordinance: "Administrative Code amendment to prohibit evictions for nonpayment due to COVID-19" — referenced_by: ["item 23"] - policy: "Department of Public Health protocols for case investigation, testing and isolation" — referenced_by: ["item 22"]

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