New York’s least fortunate were dealt another blow by the coronavirus as the pandemic claimed a second homeless man in the city — and the tally of cases in the Big Apple’s sprawling shelter system hit 59, officials said Friday.
The latest victim, a man in his 70s, passed away Thursday, said DHS spokesman Isaac McGinn. The death came just two days after COVID-19 claimed its first homeless victim, a man in his 60s.
“We are heartbroken to report that one additional New Yorker experiencing homelessness passed away following a week of hospitalization with the virus,” he said.
The number of cases is nearly double the 30 DHS had confirmed Tuesday at 22 shelters.
Of the 59 confirmed cases at 40 city-run shelters, 22 are currently in a hospital receiving care, while 13 are in Department of Homeless Services isolation units. Additionally, 13 are self-isolating and 10 others with mild symptoms have left the shelter system, including some to stay with family.
DHS also has confirmed two unsheltered homeless persons who tested positive for the coronavirus have both been hospitalized.
Anticipating a massive increase of infected shelter residents, DHS has identified 500 isolated units at four locations in the system to be used to quarantine its clients. These units will be located in facilities separate from the regular homeless population.
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