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Handwashing Stations Being Placed At Homeless Encampments
People walk in Skid Row on September 28, 2019 in Los Angeles. Mario Tama/Gett Images
More than 100 handwashing stations are being deployed around Los Angeles as a stopgap to boost sanitary conditions at homeless camps.
It's one of the responses authorities are scrambling to put in place to minimize the effect of COVID-19 on the region’s sizable homeless population.
"We’re all being told to keep washing our hands with soap and water. But people who don’t have a bathroom can’t do that," said Councilmember Mike Bonin, who represents Los Angeles’ westside.
“I was frustrated Monday morning when I woke up and I saw that there were handwashing stations rolling out on the streets of San Francisco and San Diego and San Jose.”
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But not Los Angeles.
So Bonin used his office budget to start installing more than 40 handwash stations in his district. More council members have since followed.
Likewise, LA County officials have said they’re figuring out how to isolate any potentially sick people who don’t have their own space.
As for Aymen Ahmed, who’s homeless in Echo Park, the virus is low on his list of immediate concerns.
“I’m worried about the virus if you cramp me in a space with people’s sanitary conditions I don’t know about," he said. "I’m not worried about the virus when I’m outside."
For now, Ahmed is more concerned about the rain.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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