Coronavirus: Homeless people 'scared and hungry' on streets despite promise to house them over weekend

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Homeless people are “scared, hungry and desperate” as they continue to survive on the streets during the coronavirus pandemic despite a government order for local authorities to place rough sleepers in hotels or other accommodation over the weekend, charities have warned. The London Mayor’s Office said that as of Sunday, 464 rough sleepers had been placed in hotels and almost 50 in other self-contained accommodation, out of around 11,400 rough sleepers across the capital. We’ve got to be extremely vigilant against any complacency or self-congratulation, and make sure that every single person who needs help gets it.” Mr Downie pointed out that the operation to house rough sleepers would not be straightforward and would require continued outreach work to identify people who fall homeless during the pandemic, as well providing ongoing specialist support to those who are placed in hotels. And we all need clarity on how someone sleeping rough can access safe accommodation to self-isolate.” Alex Norris, another caseworker for the charity, said: “We're referring many street homeless guests to outreach teams, but they're still not being found and linked into services.