San Diego shelters homeless in convention center

San Diego is opening its waterfront convention center as a temporary shelter for the city's homeless.

KGTV reports that some 400 people were moving in on Wednesday, with plans to house 1,500.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer says the convention center will have the same services as other temporary shelters for the homeless, including health screenings.

City officials say other shelters may be unsafe due to the coronavirus outbreak. Beds can be spaced further apart in the convention center.

The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

The convention center was the site of the 1996 Republican National Convention.