A good article by CNN
"You are three times more likely to have severe respiratory problems if you are homeless and the average age of death if you are homeless is 44," he adds.
McNeil believes the UK's homelessness crisis has been exacerbated by austerity measures. "Homeless people have been affected because of the reduction in funding for local authorities, so local support had to close down," she says.
Anecdotally, this seems to be the case, according to Downie. "In some areas, people have been told by their local councils that there is no help available." In the context of coronavirus, the combination of an increased demand for services and, as with food banks, a hit on the volunteer network has created a nightmare scenario.
And in a stark reminder of how serious this situation is, Downie adds: "If there is a report of an outbreak in a shelter then obviously it will have to shut, meaning we will see more people sleeping rough."
The challenges facing these vulnerable members of society are nothing new. Campaigners hope that this crisis will at least shine a light on the plight of those in poverty and without homes.
"This coronavirus exposes the cracks in society -- those who have mortgages and regular income could suddenly find themselves facing the same problems as people who are on benefits," says Sahota.
McNeil points out that people who are used to enjoying a secure income might find themselves relying on the state. And she thinks that the government might have to make these benefits more generous, given the sudden influx of people who are used to a certain way of living.
I'm free to travel within the county infecting everyone I meet
<---- ironic emoticon
