The High Risk of Coronavirus Outbreak Within Homeless Communities

With the global outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), “Doctors say the country’s more than half-million homeless people are at higher risk of catching and dying from the virus (New York Times,2020). The symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, shortness of breath and may present itself in 2-14 days after exposure. Since these symptoms are similar to the common cold and flu, those infected may not know they’ve become infected until the virus is full-blown. Highly contagious and easily spread from person to person and with no vaccination available, the Coronavirus threatens those in close quarters. With nearly 550,000 homeless people in the United States, those displaced are more susceptible to spreading the virus. With 33% of people within the community currently suffering from lung disease, they are at a greater risk of dying from the virus. Since members of the homeless community often share utensils and lack accessibility that grants good personal hygiene, this large population is at risk for contracting and spreading the Coronavirus.

            With no known cases of the virus outbreak in the homeless communities, should we be worried? The Center for Disease Control sites washing hands often, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, avoiding contact with those who are sick, and disinfecting surfaces as preventative steps against the virus. How can these seemingly easy steps be extended to the homeless communities who cannot self-quarantine? Without access to proper healthcare and a limited supply of tests “The lack of a coordinated Coronavirus strategy for homeless communities could be catastrophic for sick and older people already struggling to survive in tents and overcrowded shelters” (The Guardian,2020). Currently, emergency medical funds are being extended to increase sanitation in shelters, but unfortunately these measures won’t help those living in their cars or in the streets. The lack of preparation could potentially result in thousands of deaths in the homeless community once they have been affected by the outbreak. Though the risk for an outbreak seems high to medical professional, the resilient community does not have the accessibility or luxury of prepping for a massive outbreak or quarantine. The global outbreak of the Coronavirus threatens a largely silent population, a community that isn’t cared for until “it’s too late”.

Meghan Fulgenzi

March 11,2020

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