Homelessness charities seek advice

Homelessness charities have urged the Government to provide guidance on protecting “particularly vulnerable” rough sleepers from the coronavirus.

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said people sleeping on the streets were at a higher risk “because they are more likely to have a range of existing health conditions”, may not be able to wash their hands regularly and may be unable to self-isolate if they become unwell.

Healthcare charity Pathway also warned that “the spread of communicable disease can be swift for people without adequate access to hygiene facilities or a safe home”.

Deaths of homeless people have already risen significantly in recent years. The latest available official data recorded 726 deaths on the streets in 2018, up from 482 in 2013. Both Crisis and Shelter said they had contacted the Government for advice on controlling the risk posed by Covid-19 but as yet had not received any.

Mr Sparkes added: “This guidance must set out what measures Government is taking to ensure rough sleepers get appropriate health checks, what accommodation will be provided so that people can self-isolate and advice for the public on how best they can support people who are homeless during the coronavirus outbreak.”

A spokesman for Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “The mayor is deeply concerned at the lack of specific Government advice on coronavirus to protect people living on the street, those in assessment services and people in hostels. He urges ministers to engage with the charity sector and to provide official guidance as a matter of urgency.”

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “We’ve reached out to the Government and know they’re looking at guidance for people sleeping rough.”