MANY rough sleepers have underlying health conditions which could make them more vulnerable if they get coronavirus, according to city centre managers.
They are drawing up a plan of action for supporting rough sleepers and the homeless who find themselves affected in any way.
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The council is investing millions of pounds in tackling rough sleeping and runs a number of shelters including £1.9m Floyds Row off St Aldate's, which opened in January.
The council has not yet said what would happen if a rough sleeper or a member of staff at a shelter contracted the virus.
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Linda Smith, cabinet member for leisure and housing, said: “The Government has identified that people experiencing rough sleeping or who live in shared spaces like hostels and supported accommodation are at particular risk from coronavirus. Many have underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable and they are unable to self-isolate in the event of infection.
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“We are expecting special guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and rough sleeping advisers at Public Health England.
“The budget announcement highlights a £500m coronavirus ‘hardship fund’ for local authorities to help vulnerable people in their areas.
“We will be looking at the details on how we may be able to access this.
“We believe that nobody should have to sleep rough in Oxford and we are committed to keeping services open and protecting homeless people from coronavirus, as far as we are able to.
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“We are working with local supported housing and day service providers to develop an urgent action plan that will support homeless people with coronavirus and at risk of being infected.”
As well as Floyds Row, A £3.7m shelter for rough sleepers opened in Cowley in September.
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