There are currently at least 92 cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, in Massachusetts, and Governor Baker declared a state of emergency yesterday. People staying in homeless shelters are at "heightened risk" of contracting this potentially deadly illness.
COVID-19 spreads quickly among people in close proximity to each other. Circle of Hope's partner shelters house between 20-400 individuals every night.
With higher rates of chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease, the homeless people we serve are at greater risk of getting severely ill, requiring hospitalization, or dying from COVID-19. People over 60 and those with underlying health conditions are considered most at-risk.
"I'm very worried right now about vulnerable populations," said Helen Branswell, an infectious disease and public health reporter for STAT. "I'm worried about people who stay in homeless shelters."
Our partner shelters are taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and educating their clients about the illness. Circle of Hope is sending an extra supply of hand soap and towels to protect homeless families and individuals during this public health crisis. As Branswell said,
"...this is a time when we're really going to need to help each other."
