By Tony O’Riley And Sheila Mckenzie-
A homelessness charity in Nottingham has spotted Covid 19 symptoms on rough sleepers and urged volunteers from the public to donate masks and gloves to staff as rough sleepers begin to show symptoms of coronavirus
Framework charity, which regularly campaign for the homeless believe that many of those sleeping rough were showing symptoms of Covid-19, with consistent sneezing and coughing among the worrying signs being observed.
The fact practically all those sleeping rough in the city streets have been put up in hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation in a bid to self isolate during the pandemic, has not prevented the likelihood that Covid -19 is silently spreading among those reckless homeless individuals who do drugs and share their pipes with one another at the slightest opportunity to sneak out for some fresh air.
Insiders at Framework charity told The Eye Of Media.Com that a number of the homeless sharing hotels are drug users and alcoholics. They have had to be taken off the streets to provide them accommodation to keep them away from the streets.
In rare cases, you find some who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, but not both. two vices.
”Many of those in these hotels are strongly believed to have the virus, but are not ill enough to be admitted into hospital, one volunteer at the charity anonymously told the Eye Of Media.Com. A number show symptoms of the virus, but you can’t tel them they have the virus or force them to go to hospital.
They will say it’s just a cold or a smoker’s cough, but they could easily have the virus. We need more donations of masks and glove”
Addicts
Nobody is prepared to point fingers at anyone for being a drug addict, but it is well known that many rough sleepers are addicts, and recklessly still share pipes and marijuana, despite social distancing rules which are known throughout virtually every corner of the Uk.
”We keep tabs on them and communicate with them on phone. We know what they are like, and some confide in us. We wouldn’t ever name them, but we must be alert to the problem.It is hoped that people will respond to their call and get in touch with them.
Self Isolation
Falling staff numbers caused by self-isolation and illness has limited the charity’s full support for it over 1,000 rough sleepers people across the region now living in hostels. As well as a new volunteer response team, the charity is setting up donation hubs across Nottinghamshire.
The hubs are in Nottingham, at the Training Centre in Lillington Road South, Bulwell, Mansfield, at the Heath Training Centre in Fritchley Court, and also in Newark, at the Exchange Business Centre.
A spokesman said:
“Framework is desperate for face masks and gloves, as our frontline workers are supporting homeless and extremely vulnerable people, some of whom now have symptoms of the virus. “We obviously expect many more service users and staff to become unwell over the coming weeks and months.”
Other items requested by the group includes fruit juices, squash, baby products such as nappies and milk, toiletries, cleaning products and hand towels. The donation hubs will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week between 10am and 3pm.
Other organisations supporting the charity includes Nottingham Trent University, which has donated its produce from vertical farm crops, such as pak choi, swiss chard, lettuce, coriander and basil. The charity said many people on the streets out as many people on the streets are suffering from numerous complex health problems.
They have been offered assistance by Professor Chungui Lu, who helps run the two vertical farms at the university’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences department.
Framework street outreach team, often work in collaborative effort with another charoty- The Emmanuel House, who signpost homeless people to specialised services such as St Ann’s Advice Centre, Nottingham Law Centre, or social services. 
Before Covid 19:Rough Sleepers inside Nottingham Night Shelter Image: Emmanuel House
Professor Lu said in a statement:
“These vertical farms have been created to help the world tackle situations which threaten global food security, so it is only fitting that we use our crops to help society in a time of crisis.”In this instance we were very happy to give the food to a local group working hard to support homeless people in Nottinghamshire.” All produce was given to Tracy Dickinson, who helps run Tracy’s Street Kitchen.
In the future, they may deliver food to the hotels where rough sleepers have been temporarily housed. Tracy Dickinson added:
“We’re currently putting together care packages and we’ve already used some of the produce in dishes like curry and sausage and mash. Nothing will go to waste.
“My message is for people to stay strong and be positive, and a big thank you to everyone who is supporting us.”
Image:campaign.justgiving.com
P.S:
Both writers contributed to the content of this article. The eye of media.Com has no affiliation with Framework Charity apart from research interests for the purpose of free and useful knowledge. The purpose of sharing their request is purely in the pubic interest.