Homeless people get COVID-19 tests

BANGKOK (NNT) - Several government agencies and foundations have joined forces to provide free COVID-19 screening for homeless people along with vaccinations, as the population is deemed vulnerable to COVID-19 infections and transmission.

A COVID-19 testing station has been set up at Khlong Lot in Bangkok to provide free coronavirus screening for homeless people living around Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Avenue, as well as other vulnerable populations in nearby communities, who may not have access to testing at healthcare facilities.

Health officials use antigen test kits to screen for COVID-19 infections, with the results delivered in less than 30 minutes.

Several government agencies and foundations have combined efforts to test and vaccinate the homeless population, including the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Thai Red Cross Society.

Mrs Patcharee Arayakul, Permanent Secretary of Social Development and Human Security, says proactive testing for the homeless population requires help from psychologists and network agencies to gain trust among these people, as they would normally fear prosecution when encountering a government official.

So far, the ministry and the network have provided tests for around 600 people. Vaccination is also available for this population today.

Mr Theerapat Prayurasiddhi, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, said today that these services for the homeless population reflect the Prime Minister’s intention to minimize the number of COVID-19 cases wherever possible, by giving people immediate access to treatment once they are found infected.

The Office of the Prime Minister also supplies kits of essential items, including masks and green chiretta tablets, to the homeless population.