The challenges homeless people face as coronavirus cases continue to rise

As the number of cases of coronavirus continue to rise, so do the challenges to keep people safe, especially those who are homeless.

People sleeping rough are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to have a range of existing health conditions and face specific challenges such as not being able to regularly wash hands.

Many of the service users at The Huggard Centre, a homeless charity in Cardiff, are high risk as they suffer from health conditions, mental health issues and chronic substance misuse issues.

Many of the users of The Huggard Centre in Cardiff are vulnerable. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

Richard Edwards, from the charity, said they are keeping those who use the centre informed of the developments.

However, the difficulty lies in how those sleeping on the street will self isolate if they do not have a home.

Richard Edwards, said The Huggard Centre is looking how to best adapt to the outbreak. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

Richard said the centre is looking at how to best adapt to the outbreak.

He said, ''Each organisation within the city at the moment is looking at what provision it does have and looking how we can rearrange those provisions so we can provide safe places that people can self isolate.''

Last week, Crisis, called on the Government for urgent guidance on how to protest those living on the streets.

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said the guidance must 'set out what measures Government is taking ''to ensure rough sleepers get appropriate health checks, what accommodation will be provided, and advice for the public on how best they can support people”