ARCHIVED: COVID-19 Cases by Population Characteristics Over Time

<strong>A. SUMMARY</strong>
This archived dataset includes data for population characteristics that are no longer being reported publicly. The date on which each population characteristic type was archived can be found in the field “data_loaded_at”.

<strong>B. HOW THE DATASET IS CREATED</strong>
Data on the population characteristics of COVID-19 cases are from:  
* Case interviews  
* Laboratories  
* Medical providers  
  
These multiple streams of data are merged, deduplicated, and undergo data verification processes.  

<u> Race/ethnicity</u>
* We include all race/ethnicity categories that are collected for COVID-19 cases.
* The population estimates for the "Other" or “Multi-racial” groups should be considered with caution. The Census definition is likely not exactly aligned with how the City collects this data. For that reason, we do not recommend calculating population rates for these groups.

<u> Gender</u>
* The City collects information on gender identity using <a href="https://www.sfdph.org/dph/files/PoliciesProcedures/COM5_SexGenderGuidelines.pdf">these guidelines</a>. 

<u>Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) occupancy</u>
* A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is a type of long-term care facility that provides care to individuals, generally in their 60s and older, who need functional assistance in their daily lives.  
* This dataset includes data for COVID-19 cases reported in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) through 12/31/2022, archived on 1/5/2023. These data were identified where “Characteristic_Type” = ‘Skilled Nursing Facility Occupancy’. 
 
<u>Sexual orientation</u>
* The City began asking adults 18 years old or older for their sexual orientation identification during case interviews as of April 28, 2020. Sexual orientation data prior to this date is unavailable. 
* The City doesn’t collect or report information about sexual orientation for persons under 12 years of age. 
* Case investigation interviews transitioned to the California Department of Public Health, Virtual Assistant information gathering beginning December 2021. The Virtual Assistant is only sent to adults who are 18+ years old. <a href = "https://www.sfdph.org/dph/files/PoliciesProcedures/COM9_SexualOrientationGuidelines.pdf">Learn more about our data collection guidelines pertaining to sexual orientation</a>. 
 
<u>Comorbidities</u>
* Underlying conditions are reported when a person has one or more underlying health conditions at the time of diagnosis or death. 
 
<u>Homelessness</u>
Persons are identified as homeless based on several data sources: 
* self-reported living situation 
* the location at the time of testing 
* Department of Public Health homelessness and health databases 
* Residents in Single-Room Occupancy hotels are not included in these figures. 
These methods serve as an estimate of persons experiencing homelessness. They may not meet other homelessness definitions. 
 
<u>Single Room Occupancy (SRO) tenancy</u>
* SRO buildings are defined by the San Francisco Housing Code as having six or more "residential guest rooms" which may be attached to shared bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces. 
* The details of a person's living arrangements are verified during case interviews. 
 
<u>Transmission Type</u>
* Information on transmission of COVID-19 is based on case interviews with individuals who have a confirmed positive test. Individuals are asked if they have been in close contact with a known COVID-19 case. If they answer yes, transmission category is recorded as contact with a known case. If they report no contact with a known case, transmission category is recorded as community transmission. If the case is not interviewed or was not asked the question, they are counted as unknown.

<strong>C. UPDATE PROCESS</strong>
This dataset has been archived and will no longer update as of 9/11/2023.

<strong>D. HOW TO USE THIS DATASET</strong>
Population estimates are only available for age groups and race/ethnicity categories. San Francisco po