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  1. Get help
  2. Coronavirus FAQ's
  3. Coronavirus FAQ's for rough sleepers

Coronavirus FAQ's for Rough Sleepers

This page hopes to answer questions rough sleepers may have about Coronavirus and how to stay safe.

The information here is correct on 27/03/2020 and has been supplied by the NHS and local authorities. However guidance keeps changing we will update this page as much as we can.

What is Coronavirus?

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Coronavirus or COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. The symptoms include:

  •  a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
  •  a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly

In almost all cases people will make a full recovery. However, it is particularly important for the following people to be extra careful:

 People aged 70 or over

 People with a long-term health condition

 Pregnant women

 People with a weakened immune system

Published: 1st March, 2020

Updated: 27th March, 2020

Author: Alex Simpson

Related topics:
  • covid-19 FAQ's for people in hostels
  • Coronavirus FAQ's for Rough Sleepers
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What is social distancing and how can i do it?

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You must always stay 2 metres apart from anyone you aren’t living with – this includes people you do not usually sleep near or share shelter with.

 Do not gather in groups of more than two people - the police can fine you if you do not follow these rules.

Published: 2nd March, 2020

Updated: 27th March, 2020

Author: Alex Simpson

Related topics:
  • Coronavirus FAQ's for Rough Sleepers
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Who can get help if they have coronavirus?

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 All NHS services for coronavirus are free for everyone – whatever your immigration status. This includes coronavirus testing and treatment, even if the result is negative. You will not be reported to the Home Office for coronavirus testing or treatment.

Published: 3rd March, 2020

Updated: 27th March, 2020

Author: Alex Simpson

Related topics:
  • covid-19 FAQ's for people in hostels
  • Coronavirus FAQ's for Rough Sleepers
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How can I help protect myself from coronavrirus?

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  • Follow the social distancing rules
  • In most areas Local Authorities are providing hotel accommodation for people rough sleeping. Services are different in different towns and cities. Try to contact your local homelessness services to find out more. In Manchester please phone the rough sleeper team on 0161 234 4692 between 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. For referrals out of hours, call 0161 234 5001 but make sure you tell them that you may have Coronavirus.
  • Don’t bed down near to people or share tents with people that you have not already been sleeping near to
  • If you have a dog or another pet, keep it away from other people and other pets
  • Don’t share cigarettes, pipes or drink from the same bottles and cans
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds. Use public toilets and if there is no soap available use hot/warm running water. It may be useful to carry a bottle of water and soap
  • Always wash your hands when you go into and leave buildings or public spaces
  • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Toilet paper will do so try and collect some.
  • Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth unless your hands are clean
  • Use your elbows, arms and shoulders to open doors instead of your hands

Published: 4th March, 2020

Updated: 27th March, 2020

Author: Alex Simpson

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  • Coronavirus FAQ's for Rough Sleepers
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What do I do if I think I have Coronavirus?

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The NHS recommends isolating yourself for 7 days if you have either:

  • A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back.
  • A new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly.

If you are rough sleeping, we realise self-isolating will be a challenge. We recommend that you contact support staff from a day centre, outreach team or local support service and let them know your situation.

Do not go to the service in person as this will increase risks for yourself and other people.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

Published: 5th March, 2020

Updated: 27th March, 2020

Author: Alex Simpson

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  • Coronavirus FAQ's for Rough Sleepers
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Who do I contact if I am unsure about my symptoms?

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NHS 111 is a free service you can contact if you are unsure about your symptoms. You can contact it through: 111.nhs.uk or call 111. You can call NHS 111 free from a mobile or a pay phone. There may be a wait to speak to someone.

Published: 6th March, 2020

Updated: 27th March, 2020

Author: Alex Simpson

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  • covid-19 FAQ's for people in hostels
  • Coronavirus FAQ's for Rough Sleepers
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Who do I contact if I my symptoms become serious?

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If your symptoms become serious and you are concerned for your health please call 111 immediately to discuss whether you need medical care. If you or someone you know has serious symptoms which cannot be managed without medical care please ring 999.

Published: 7th March, 2020

Updated: 27th March, 2020

Author: Alex Simpson

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  • covid-19 FAQ's for people in hostels
  • Coronavirus FAQ's for Rough Sleepers
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What to do if you have been in close contact with someone who may have the virus but you cannot self isolate?

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If you are in a situation where you or someone around you is suffering from

coronavirus symptoms but you cannot self-isolate inside, try to follow these steps:

  • Stay 2 metres away from anyone, do not share tents and bedding
  • Stay in contact with friends, family and support services by phone or online if you can
  • Can someone bring food and drink to you?
  • Can your pharmacy or prescriber make arrangements to get medication or script to you?
  • Stay in contact with friends, support services and family by phone.
  • Can someone bring you books, music or a newspaper to entertain you?

Published: 8th March, 2020

Updated: 27th March, 2020

Author: Alex Simpson

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  • Coronavirus FAQ's for Rough Sleepers
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