Miami-Dade Reports First Homeless Death From Coronavirus

MIAMI, FL — A 26-year-old man is believed to be the first homeless person to die from the new coronavirus in Miami-Dade County, according to the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust and the Chapman Partnership.

The man passed away Friday at Jackson South Medical Center in Kendall a few hours after visiting Chapman's health clinic with a fever.

"He presented with a fever and was taken immediately to Jackson South," the Homeless trust said. "He passed away a few hours later. Next of kin was notified by the hospital."

Officials said the man was a resident of the Chapman South Homeless Assistance Center in Homestead.

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“We are devastated and crushed. I am so proud of the work we are doing, which makes this news incredibly difficult to swallow," said Ron Book, who chairs the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. "Our role is not to lose the lives of anyone from this very fragile and compromised population."

Seven homeless people have tested positive for the new coronavirus in Miami-Dade County since the outbreak began in March. The Homeless Trust served more than 8,000 people who are experiencing homelessness and another 1,020 people who are unsheltered.

"In keeping with CDC guidance, the entire Chapman South facility is receiving expanded deep cleaning to mitigate the spread of the virus," Book said. "The shelter will continue aggressive prevention tactics."

Book said the organization is taking the following steps to protect the homeless population from the virus:

• Masks and gloves are being distributed to all staff and residents at both north and south centers. Masks and gloves are worn at all times in common areas.
• Any resident identifying themselves as having symptoms, or observed to be demonstrating symptoms, are referred to the onsite medical clinic.
• Residents and employees at Chapman practice social distancing and social distancing badges are worn by all residents and staff.
• COVID-19 education is offered to all staff and residents..
• Hand washing and use of hand sanitizer are encouraged throughout all campuses.
• Frequent deep cleaning and bleaching is performed on all door handles and surfaces.
• At-risk residents from both north and south centers are being moved to secure off-site housing.
• Dorm spaces have been reconfigured to promote efficient social distancing.