• HAS anyone has done any research on the spread of Covid-19 infections and SARS-CoV-2 related mortality of the residents of Camden Council-run hostels for homeless people?

I happen to be a resident of one such facility and I am not at all certain that we’re kept safe or informed of the risks and the spread of the infection.

We’re often told that medical details of other people in care cannot be discussed owing to privacy issues.

I am also immuno­compromised because of complex medical needs, treatments I receive, and I have spent a few months already “sheltered” as advised by the National Health Service; but sheltered, in my situation, meant something quite different from what the NHS recommendation had in mind.

I did get a series of “check-up calls” both from the NHS and Camden Council. But, I have to admit, if it were not for my biomedical training, back in the days gone by, I would have found it extremely difficult to understand and adhere to the recommendation. And I am pretty sure I’m one of the lucky ones to have such a background.

It is almost, to a day, half a year since the World Health Organisation declared the pandemic and so far I have not seen or heard of anyone trying to test the residents or staff of the facility.

It’s also been only in the last few weeks we’ve been “placated” with notes to stay away from each other, the very thing that is practically impossible to adhere to in the circumstances.

I know that some of my fellow residents are concerned and it just so happens that I’m the one with the access to the internet and email.

We need an independent investigation the issue, not only for the safety of us but also for the benefit of the Camden community, which like so many in the “inner-city” has become extremely vulnerable.

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