San Francisco DPH mourns Timothy McDaniels and updates on COVID-19 and mPox response

In a recent meeting of the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH), significant discussions took place regarding the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 and the recent passing of a valued employee. The meeting, held on July 4, 2025, began with a somber announcement of the death of Timothy McDaniels, a member of the environmental services team at Laguna Honda Hospital. McDaniels, who had worked at Laguna Honda for five years, was remembered fondly by colleagues, and the DPH extended condolences to his family.

The meeting also provided an update on the COVID-19 situation in San Francisco. As of August 30, the city has recorded over 175,300 infections, with a total of 1,003 deaths attributed to the virus. However, there was a notable decline in new cases, with a seven-day rolling average of 152 new infections per day and 62 hospitalizations, including 12 in intensive care. This decrease marks a significant improvement from the summer peak, indicating that the recent surge is subsiding.

Vaccination efforts continue to be a priority, with 85% of San Francisco residents fully vaccinated and 75% having received at least one booster dose. The DPH is preparing to roll out bivalent booster doses, which are designed to target the Omicron subvariants, with availability expected by September 17. This proactive approach aligns with the anticipated need for annual COVID-19 boosters, similar to flu vaccinations.

Public comments during the meeting highlighted concerns regarding the DPH's handling of employee health and safety, particularly in relation to the deaths of city employees. One caller expressed distress over the circumstances surrounding the death of another DPH employee, suggesting that workplace harassment contributed to his health decline. This comment underscores the need for ongoing attention to employee welfare within the department.

Additionally, discussions touched on the need for improved public health responses to emerging health threats, such as MPOX, with calls for equitable access to vaccines for all at-risk individuals. Concerns were raised about the lack of updates regarding Laguna Honda Hospital's progress toward obtaining Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recertification, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this facility as a safety net for vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the DPH's commitment to addressing public health challenges while also reflecting on the human impact of these issues. As the city navigates the ongoing pandemic and its aftermath, the discussions highlighted the importance of community engagement and the need for transparency in health initiatives. The DPH is expected to continue providing updates on both COVID-19 and Laguna Honda Hospital's status in future meetings, as stakeholders seek to ensure the health and safety of all San Franciscans.