Extra care is needed this year in order to keep the homeless safe as they are at great risk of being exposed to Covid-19.
Homeless individuals stand out as one of the most vulnerable demographics in terms of Covid-19 exposure. The vulnerability stems from both prevalent medical conditions within the homeless population and inaccessibility to healthcare services.
These statistics from 2019 highlight the ongoing challenges homeless people are facing. Given the current pandemic, their vulnerability is further heightened, increasing their priority and need for help over the holiday season.
Veronica Todd, an NHS worker, shows some of the day-to-day PPE nurses and doctors must wear to protect the more vulnerable individuals to minimise further damage.
Ms Todd has treated homeless people since the virus started and noticed how “scared” they were but was “pleasantly surprised” to see how well they were taking care of themselves by wearing face masks for safety.
Ian Jones, one of the trustees and founders of the Street Supporter charity, has said that homelessness is a “terrible thing to go through” during this time not only to do with their physical health and safety but also their mental health.
The pandemic has created immense pressure on people looking for housing, leaving more individuals without substantial accommodation.
He expects there to be a vast increase in the number of homeless people in the 2020 statistics.
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YMCA charity successfully kept Covid-19 away from residents