In March 2020, at the height of the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, health authorities recognised the vulnerability of homeless people, social housing residents, boarding house tenants and people living in compromised housing.
Outbreaks in these settings would be difficult to contain, with high mortality.
Almost 1200 people, considered highly vulnerable, were screened at 11 pop-up community wellbeing clinics across central Sydney. Those with symptoms were tested for COVID-19. Free meals, influenza vaccination and health/hygiene packs were provided. Expert psychosocial teams rapidly assessed self-isolation and support requirements. No COVID-19 positive cases were found.
Transcript - Keeping them Safe: A Rapid Response for Vulnerable People During COVID-19
