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Updated Coronavirus Recommendations for Unsheltered People

Citygate Network’s key contact at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Emily Mosites, recently provided new information regarding the handling of long-term infection prevention for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. In this most recent update, the CDC offers further guidance on how you might alter outreach team procedures for COVID-19 prevention in homeless encampments.

In Summary

Monitor community transmission of COVID-19 in the area. For the latest updates on county-level transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, use this CDC COVID Data Tracker tool.

  1. Create flexible quarantine and isolation locations that are scalable, in case the number of COVID-19 cases in the community increases.
  2. Keep a minimum set of public health prevention and control procedures in place at all times, including
    1. Working together with community organizations to improve sanitation in encampments.
    2. Ensuring access to handwashing facilities and supplies.
    3. Providing place-based, regular health evaluations and linkages to medical care, including access to COVID-19 vaccination, routine vaccinations, and behavioral health services.

Also provided are suggestions to better record vaccination levels of those living in nearby encampments as well as the impact closing or clearing an encampment could have on the increase or spread of COVID-19 into nearby encampments or shelters. Read up on this and share it with your team.