By Coronavirus and Homelessness in Oxford
In light of recent concerns surrounding Coronavirus, both the government and Oxford City Council have been considering the ways in which those experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping might be particularly vulnerable or susceptible to the condition.
As outlined in this years budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has warned of significant disruption, and now unveiled a £30bn package in an attempt to protect the UK economy in the event of a severe Coronavirus outbreak.
Measures include an intital £5bn emergency response fund for NHS and public services, followed by £6bn in new money for the NHS.
Councillor Linda Smith, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Housing, has issued the following statement:
“The government has identified that people experiencing rough sleeping or who live in shared spaces like hostels and supported accommodation are at particular risk from coronavirus. Many have underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable and they are unable to self-isolate in the event of infection.
We are expecting special guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and rough sleeping advisers at Public Health England. The Budget announcement highlights a £500 million coronavirus ‘hardship fund’ for local authorities to help vulnerable people in their areas. We will be looking at the details on how we may be able to access this.
We believe that nobody should have to sleep rough in Oxford and we are committed to keeping services open and protecting homeless people from coronavirus, as far as we are able to. We are working with local supported housing and day service providers to develop an urgent action plan that will support homeless people with coronavirus and at risk of being infected.”
Contact Gi Oxford
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Follows us on Facebook for all the latest local stories, breaking news and to join the conversation
