Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Fears grow over virus
Concerns for OAPs, homeless
E L D E R LY, v u l n e r a b l e and homeless people in Dundee fear they could be particularly susceptible to the spread of coronavirus.
Homeless people are concerned they may be unable to stay clean or self-isolate as the number of cases grows.
The disease, which has infected more than 90,000 people worldwide and claimed more than 3,000 lives, reached Scotland when a case was confirmed in Tayside on Sunday.
Clayre Stewart, a homeless woman who sleeps rough in Dundee, said: “It didn’t worry me until I saw people out wearing masks.
“People like me have got nowhere we can feel safe. I don’t have an environment to go to where I know it’s clean.”
The 28-year-old is also worried a lack of information may be an issue for those living on the street.
She said: “I don’t have a phone, so I can’t get information on the virus.
“I think folks like me should maybe get safety leaflets and some little bottles of hand sanitiser from the government.”
Jim Stewart, 53, from Dundee, said: “I’m not worried – I’ve got to die some time.
“I got some hand sanitiser at my brother’s house.
“I don’t have access to hot water and I don’t know if there are any places for a bath or a shower where I can go.”
Elderly people in Tayside have also expressed fears about the risk to those with underlying health conditions.
Dorothy McHugh, secretary of Dundee Pensioners’ Forum, said: “Many of us are more vulnerable and frail, so we can be more badly affected by it.
“We discussed the importance of proper hand-washing, which is already something pensioners take seriously.
“Older people are more concerned and aware, but we’re waiting to see how it develops and act accordingly.”
Dorothy also said self-isolation could have a negative impact on the elderly.
She said: “Two weeks of self-isolation could be really bad for older people and cause further social isolation.
“I’m worried that people will avoid gatherings and just stay inside.”