While France confines itself to limit the spread of the coronavirus epidemic, associations are worried about the homeless. How to protect them and help them cope with the virus? Ditto for migrants residing in makeshift camps, where "social distancing" cannot be respected. Emmanuel Macron mentioned Monday evening in his address the situation of the most precarious people. "We will make sure, with large associations, the local communities and their services that they can be fed, protected," he said.
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The Minister of the Interior, Christophe Castaner did not specifically mention the precise aid modalities. Nevertheless in derogatory trips, authorized with an exit certificate, mention is made of the action of charitable associations.
Inform and respect barrier gestures
Volunteers will indeed be allowed to go out to help the vulnerable. The Entourage help network publishes on its website the good reflexes to adopt to help the homeless, sometimes particularly vulnerable due to their age or various pathologies.
"We are going to strengthen our marauders and adapt our practices," explains Jean-Christophe Combe, director general of the Red Cross. "They live in an unsuitable environment, with degraded hygienic conditions." For him, it is important to continue to provide the homeless with basic necessities, hygiene, disposable tissues or hydroalcoholic gels.
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Their aim is also to identify homeless people who show symptoms. "There are people among them who are or will fall ill. They must be taken care of by the health system," he added.
Informing about the situation and transmitting barrier gestures are also essential points. Among the main messages: "no regrouping, that they remain as isolated as possible from other people, that they report their particular difficulties, trying to maximize their access to hygiene points", specifies Jean-Christophe Combe.
The extended winter break
In order to accommodate longer in emergency accommodation centers, the winter truce has been extended until May 31. Within the homes, associations and the State collaborate to set up containment zones. Restaurateurs forced to close their doors also organized food collections.
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However, associations have been forced to cease their activities. Some Resto du Coeur branches, for example, have suspended distribution due to a lack of secure space or available staff.