Homeless Oxfordshire calls on Public Health England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to issue specific guidance on what to do in relation to the people who access our services and for support of rough sleepers.

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak presents specific risks to homelessness, we are working with a group of people who are in the vulnerable category and whose risk factor is not being addressed; How do you self-isolate with no home?

The new Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government COVID-19 guidelines as published 16th March 2020 go nowhere near enough to support organisations that work within complex environments, working on a daily basis with people who have physical and mental health needs.

People who become homeless  find a temporary solution by staying with family members or friends, living in squats or other insecure accommodation are extremely vulnerable; research by the charity Crisis indicates that about 62% of single homeless people are hidden and may not show up in official figures.

• We are asking for clearer, more detailed guidelines that will help prevent people returning to the streets during this crisis.
• We are asking for specific guidance from Public Health England on testing and clarity on what medical support will be available to  enable clients to self- isolate in hostels and temporary community housing

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