Salinas to open structure to get people off streets, use Sherwood Hall for COVID-19 patients

Watch the press conference here.

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) The City of Salinas held a press conference Wednesday to provide an update on its response to COVID-19.

During the meeting, city officials said they will open a sprung structure in Chinatown. The structure can house 50 people with bedding and showers. They said it is an effort to get people experiencing homelessness off the streets. They said this plan could last about two years, but it is part of a long-term homeless plan.

Sherwood Hall Community Center will be used for COVID-19 patients, according to city officials. They said the center will house those who test positive and do not need to be hospitalized, but do not have a place to self-quarantine.

City officials said they are also working on a plan to submit to the county health officer to reopen businesses and restaurants, and a business reopening task force will be appointed next week.