Author | Jaime RamosThe critical situation we all find ourselves in as a result of the coronavirus particularly affects society’s most disadvantaged groups. During a health crisis of this magnitude, poverty is a variable that exposes those suffering it to the negative effects of the COVID-19 disease, leading to a greater risk of infection and death.According to national reports, it is estimated that 150 million people worldwide, 2% of the world population, may be homeless. The emergence of coronavirus has increased their vulnerability, requiring new measures to protect this population.Furthermore, their circumstances are incompatible with the restrictions and limitations of rights such as home confinement, being imposed by many countries to combat the expansion of the pandemic. Therefore, a protective, immediate and effective response by the authorities is required.
Hotels for the homeless in London, but not in Las Vegas

The European union working on a humanitarian response
The European Union is currently bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic with a discordant response. The efforts of many countries range, as we have seen, between protecting, rather than separating, more marginalized populations. According to the EU Commissioner for social rights and jobs, Nicolas Schmit, “Living on the street has a huge impact on mental as well as physical health. The homeless are therefore particularly at risk. They often already have pathologies and therefore are considered to be more vulnerable. The coronavirus will also affect those who accompany the homeless. It is important that the workers are protected too”.Along that same line, Barcelona’s trade fair institution, the Fira de Barcelona, has provided a space with the capacity to accommodate 225 vulnerable people from Barcelona and the surrounding areas, and which can be extended to accommodate up to 1,000 people. It is not the only space set up in the EU for this purpose. In other countries overwhelmed by the pandemic, organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières are providing their experience in disaster management. For example, in Brussels, the capital of the Union, this NGO has installed a shelter with 50 beds that can be extended to 150, while in Paris, its volunteers are providing assistance in municipal shelters.What about the poorest countries?
