Coronavirus guidance for homeless hostel services

MHCLG has updated its coronavirus guidance for hostel services. It includes guidance on:

• Caring for residents during the pandemic, including safeguarding.
• Identifying “households” within a hostel setting.
• What to do if there are suspected or confirmed cases or if someone been in contact with someone who has coronavirus.
• Managing an outbreak.
• Staffing issues.
• Transferring residents between accommodation.

Who is the guidance for?

This updated guidance is for commissioners, managers and staff of hostels which provide services for single adults experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.

MHCLG have indicated that some of the guidance may also be relevant for temporary accommodation with shared facilities provided by local authorities to fulfil statutory homelessness duties.

What should providers do?

Providers must assess which areas of this guidance are most relevant for their setting, based on how much facilities are shared, and the staffing set-up in the accommodation.

Commissioners and providers should assess how their accommodation is able to meet guidelines on social distancing, shielding, self-isolation and household/non-household contacts and plan their response accordingly. They should also make sure all residents and members of staff are familiar with these guidelines.

You can read the full guidance on the Gov.uk website.