BANGKOK (NNT) - With nowhere to self isolate, homeless people are among a vulnerable group who face a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and transmitting the disease further. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is now providing free tests and vaccinations for these people in a joint campaign with other agencies.

 

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) has joined forces with partner agencies in launching a campaign to provide free COVID-19 tests and vaccinations to homeless people, as an extension of its existing campaign to help with their livelihood during the pandemic.

 

As part of this campaign, the MSDHS has provided free COVID-19 tests to 356 homeless people at three locations in Bangkok, namely at Suwit Watnoo Homeless People Training Center in Bangkok Noi district, at Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station, and on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in front of Trok Sake.

 

Through the Department of Social Development and Welfare, the livelihood of homeless people during the pandemic has been taken care of, however these people still face difficulties accessing the vaccine.

 

The MSDHS has now received 100 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from the Department of Medical Services, and the Ministry of Public Health, as well as 100 doses of Sinopharm vaccine from the Chulabhorn Royal Academy.

 

The 200 doses are reserved for homeless people, with the 100 AstraZeneca being administered this week, while works are underway to prepare vaccination centers and related operations to administer the Sinopharm jabs to homeless people soon.

 

The MSDHS is also planning additional assistance measures to enable homeless people to gain access to the vaccine, according to their rights.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2021-07-13

 

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Are they not lower risk because they live outside? in the UK they decided to house them, I'm guessing more caught covid because of that