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CDC Urges Cities To Stop Clearing Homeless Encampments, Saying It Could Increase COVID-19 Spread
Homeless encampments on Skid Row, photographed on June 30, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (James Bernal for KPCC) (James Bernal)
Last week, Los Angeles leaders approved increased protections for homeless Angelenos in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. But cleanups of homeless encampments, known as sweeps, weren't officially halted.
Now, the CDC has issued a simple guideline for how local governments should conduct those sweeps: don't — unless individual housing units can be provided.
“Clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community and break connections with service providers,” CDC officials wrote. “This increases the potential for infectious disease spread.”
Federal health experts had several other recommendations for individuals experiencing homelessness and outreach workers, including:
- Encourage people in encampments to set up their sleeping quarters with at least a 12-feet-by-12-feet buffer per person.
- Keep nearby restrooms in working order, open 24/7 and stocked with soap, toilet paper and paper towels.
- If there are no nearby restrooms, provide access to portable toilets and handwashing stations for encampments of more than 10 people.
MORE ON HOMELESSNESS AND CORONAVIRUS:
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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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