[Report] "What if I get sick and can't come out?" Harsh winter for homeless amid cold wave and COVID-19

About 180 People Infected in Clusters at 5 Homeless Shelters in Seoul Last Month
"What If They Get Sick in This Cold Weather?" Homeless People Worried
Strengthened Quarantine Measures Require Vaccination and PCR Negative Proof
Experts Say "Accessibility to Homeless Welfare Is Significantly Low"
"Seoul Must Not Neglect Vulnerable Infection Groups," Calls for Measures

People waiting for meals at a free soup kitchen near Seoul Station / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] "Shelters? I know where they are... but I have no intention of going."

Early on the morning of the 15th near Seoul Station, a homeless man waved his hand dismissively. His coat's shoulder was darkly wet, likely from being rained on all morning, and he held a paper cup containing cold coffee in one hand.

The temperature had dropped sharply due to rain that started the day before, and the ground was damp. Nevertheless, some homeless people were enduring the day by leaning against pillars or walls inside the station instead of entering the 'temporary shelters' provided by local governments.

What makes homeless people hesitate is the risk of COVID-19 infection. They worry that if a confirmed case occurs in the shelter, it will be closed, and they wonder what would happen if they themselves got infected.

With the cold wave followed by the COVID-19 surge, winter is becoming even harsher for the homeless. Experts say that some quarantine measures, such as requiring a negative COVID-19 test certificate, are ironically reducing homeless people's access to welfare facilities, and they urge the establishment of measures to protect homeless people exposed to infectious diseases.

◆"What if I get sick and come out?" Homeless people anxious

At a free meal service near Seoul Station on the same day, homeless people also agreed that it has become difficult to enter shelters as COVID-19 spreads seriously.

A homeless man in his 60s, Mr. A, said, "Since COVID started, not just anyone can enter temporary shelters," explaining, "They check vaccination status, take temperature checks, you have to consult with the office staff inside the facility, and you also need to have a negative PCR test certificate for a week."

Mr. A took out his PCR negative certificate and vaccination certificate from his coat pocket and unfolded them to show. He emphasized, "Without these, you're not a homeless person but a regular person."

Tents of homeless people installed near the Seoul Temporary Shelter Facility 'Dasisugi Comprehensive Support Center' / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

Another homeless man, Mr. B, said some people avoid using government facilities due to fear of COVID-19 infection.

He said, "The facility near Seoul Station was already closed due to a cluster infection," and asked, "Even if you could enter, what if you get sick and have to come out? Especially in such cold weather."

Those camping in tents near the 'Dasisogi Comprehensive Support Center,' a homeless support facility near Seoul Station, shared the same concerns about infectious diseases. When homeless man Mr. C, walking near Seoul Station Plaza, was asked if he would consider entering the support facility instead of staying in a tent, he trailed off, saying, "Because of COVID..."

◆Many cluster infections in welfare facilities... double hardship of cold wave and COVID-19

Local governments including Seoul City support homeless welfare facilities to prepare for the winter cold wave. These facilities, called 'temporary shelters,' provide homeless people with temporary lodging, meals, medical care, showers, grooming, and other basic services. On cold nights, emergency sleeping spaces are available from 5:40 PM to 7:30 AM the next day.

As the COVID-19 disaster continues, these facilities have strengthened quarantine measures for homeless people entering, including temperature checks and hand sanitizing even for simple visits.

The problem is that despite these efforts, cluster infections within the facilities have caused some homeless people to avoid using them.

If they get infected while living with infected individuals, it is practically difficult for homeless people to receive home treatment, and they may face restrictions in using some support facilities like free meal services that require proof of a negative PCR test.

There have been many cases of cluster infections in homeless facilities. According to a one-month independent investigation by the homeless civic group 'Homeless Action' in November, at least 180 people were infected across five facilities in Seoul: Yeongdeungpo homeless welfare facility, Dongdaemun homeless facility, Yeongdeungpo goshiwon, near Seoul Station, and Jongno jjokbang.

Given this situation, homeless people are suffering from the double hardship of COVID-19 infection and the cold wave.

◆"Seoul City should not abandon infection-vulnerable homeless" call for action

A homeless person is sleeping on a corner near Seoul Station Plaza. / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

Experts pointed out that quarantine measures such as requiring a negative COVID-19 test certificate have actually reduced homeless people's access to welfare services and urged the implementation of measures to protect homeless people exposed to infectious diseases.

Hwang Seongcheol, a standing activist of Homeless Action, said, "Since the end of January this year, Seoul City has implemented a 'negative confirmation system,' which has significantly lowered homeless people's access to welfare services," and added, "Temporary residences where confirmed cases occurred still have infected individuals living together without self-isolation."

He continued, "Is it reasonable that measures lowering homeless people's service access are implemented quickly while protection for actual confirmed cases is neglected? Seoul City, as both the quarantine and welfare authority, must not abandon infected homeless people in vulnerable jjokbangs, goshiwons, containers, or corners of plazas but must prepare countermeasures," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Seoul City stated that even if confirmed cases occur in welfare facilities, they will reopen after prompt disinfection. A representative of the 'Dasisogi Comprehensive Support Center' said, "If a confirmed case occurs among those staying in the facility, disinfection and ventilation procedures must be followed, so the facility may have to close temporarily during that time. However, once the procedures are complete, it reopens. Homeless people might mistakenly think the facility is closed during the preparation period, but we do not close the doors just because a confirmed case appeared," emphasizing this point.

Regarding the PCR negative certificate procedure upon admission, they explained, "It applies to unvaccinated individuals. Vaccinated people can use the facility freely without a certificate."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.