With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
What’s LA Doing To Protect Its 50K+ Homeless Population From Coronavirus?
Homeless encampments on Skid Row, photographed on June 30, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (James Bernal for KPCC) James Bernal
()
Counties across California are bracing for the possible spread of COVID-19 in their communities.
But what’s being done to protect L.A.’s homeless population of more than 50,000?
When it comes to the new coronavirus, L.A. County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said she’s worried about people experiencing homelessness. She told us:
"I'm not worried about homeless people spreading the disease to non-homeless people. I’m worried about homeless people being infected and spreading the disease amongst themselves as they live in these very close, sort of challenging conditions.”
Support for LAist comes from
The public health message has been to:
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Wash your hands
- Call a doctor if you experience COVID 19 symptoms.
Ferrer says all that’s difficult advice to follow if you’re homeless. And people living on the streets tend to be sicker from a range of pre-existing conditions.
The Department of Public Health is briefing shelter providers on some possible strategies. That includes keeping winter shelters open longer, Ferrer said. “It’s certainly easier for people to take better care of themselves in terms of public health practices — was your hands, etc. — if you’re indoors,” she said.
Ferrer is also recommending that shelters provide as much space between people as possible in sleeping quarters and try to isolate sick people when possible.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Metro officials said it will be able to announce an opening date “soon.” -
While working for the county, the DA’s office alleges that 13 employees fraudulently filed for unemployment, claiming to earn less than $600 a week. -
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to declare immigration enforcement actions a local emergency. -
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce.
Best of LAist