Homeless and Corona, lessons for the future of medical care and shelter

Homeless people are a high-risk group for COVID-19 infection due to a higher chance of exposure to the virus and a greater chance of complications. The preventive behavioral measures are difficult for them and their consequences for their daily lives are significant. The nature and extent of COVID-19-related contacts recorded by street doctors in nine cities show that the homeless population is not more affected than other parts of the population, despite the fact that they relatively often suffer from underlying diseases that increase vulnerability for serious infections. There was a higher percentage of patients who tested positive among homeless people with a migration background. The Corona measures had a major negative impact on homeless people. Mental health deteriorated, with a lot of sadness and anxiety in particular. There was more insecurity such as less income and work and less trust in government and institutions, mainly due to a lack of understandable information. This also applied to vaccinations, although the turnout was reasonable thanks to on-site vaccinations by trusted doctors and nurses in collaboration with the GGD. Interviewed street doctors, civil servants and homeless people experienced the small-scale, 24-hour shelter very positively because of the greater degree of peace for the homeless people. Together with all stakeholders, recommendations have been formulated for pandemic-proof and sustainable shelter and socio-medical care for homeless people. These have been presented to VWS. Results The results have been published in a number of fact sheets. View the results on coronatijden.nl . Executive parties Radboud UMC and Pharos More information