Advice On Reducing The Harm From Coronavirus For The Homeless

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The homeless and rough sleepers are potentially at greater risk of contracting and spreading the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and, if they have any underlying health conditions – which many do – the infection could be very serious or even fatal.

So, Bosco has produced a brief information leaflet to get the safe hygiene message across to clients. The leaflet includes information on: what the virus is; how it is spread; hygiene advice; how to protect yourself and others; how you know if you’ve got it; drug use; and what to do if you think you’re infected.

Obviously, the information relating to this last point is Bosco-specific, but the advice on self-isolating is universal. For example:

What should I do if I think I’ve got it?

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital if you believe you may be at risk of having the virus.

  • If you are staying at Bosco House or Bosco Lodge, you must self-isolate, that means stay in your room and don’t allow anyone in. Ring down to reception and let the staff know you are not well. They’ll take it from there and advise you what to do.
  • If you are staying at one of our move-on flats, you must self-isolate, that means stay home and don’t allow anyone in. Phone your key worker or Bosco House on 0151 944 1818 or Bosco Lodge on 0151 933 2940.
  • If you are using the sit-up service at the House or Lodge, tell a member of staff as soon as you start to feel ill. They’ll take it from there and advise you what to do.
  • If you live in shared accommodation with communal facilities, you must self-isolate, that means stay in your room and don’t allow anyone in. Phone your key worker or Bosco House on 0151 944 1818 or Bosco Lodge on 0151 933 2940.
  • It is important that you inform your Key Worker of your illness to avoid the further spread of the virus between staff and residents and any other person(s) you may come into contact with.
  • During the time you are ill, your Key Worker will be unable to visit you, but will be able to provide support over the phone, unless it is an emergency. Your key worker will assist you with tasks that you are unable to complete due to your illness that will include ensuring you have necessary food and medication.
  • Once you are confirmed well (up to 14 days after illness onset) you should contact your Key Worker who will then be able to resume your usual support visits.

In order to prevent the spread of the virus, Bosco Society will reduce the number of people entering the hostels and other accommodation. Bosco is, therefore, implementing a temporary visitor ban, other than essential visits such as care workers and maintenance personnel.

If anyone would like the full text so they can adapt it to their needs, please email alan@alanmatthews.org.uk