Protecting the Homeless Amid COVID-19
- themidnightmagazin
- Mar 28, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 25, 2021
By Tara Esbati
Toronto’s Homeless population has been struck by COVID-19, and the impacts are devastating.
Toronto’s homelessness crisis is not news to most people, as it has been an ongoing issue for decades. In Toronto alone, the homeless population exceeds 10 000 on any given night. This complex issue is caused by a variety of different factors, including family violence, abuse, mental health issues, loss of employment and many more. This crisis is evident when roaming the streets of Toronto, however stigma surrounding this issue is also very prevalent and prevents proper action to take place. This pre-existing issue has only been amplified by the pandemic, and many are concerned with the well-being of the homeless.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the current homelessness crisis, as homeless people experience the virus disproportionately to other populations. Unhoused people may have difficulties taking public health measures, such as frequent hand washing and social distancing. Studies have shown that these disparities have resulted in a 3-5 times higher mortality rate of COVID-19 for homeless individuals in Toronto and Boston. Without providing these vulnerable people with resources to stay safe, mortality rates and test positivity rates will only continue to climb amid the pandemic. Disturbing facts such as these cannot be ignored.
Effects on COVID-19 in long-term care homes have received tons of attention due to the devastating outbreaks in these settings. Similarly, outbreaks have struck homeless shelters all over the city. During early February, Maxwell Meighan shelter in Toronto declared an outbreak with 29 confirmed cases. In total, 9 outbreaks have been recorded in shelters across the province.
Considering this alarming news, the City of Toronto has decided to label shelters as priority for vaccinations. Many are hopeful this could de-escalate the transmission of the virus, as it is more urgent than ever. Those without proper housing are extremely vulnerable to this pandemic, and action is needed desperately.
Good coverage. It is critical to keep bringing up such deep rooted and long standing issues like this which just got a whole lot worse with COVID.