Coronavirus: People Not Walls warns of risk of spread among migrants in Calais
15:53, 11 March 2020
updated: 16:53, 11 March 2020
A support group is calling for action to help prevent the spread of coronavirus among migrants gathered in Calais.
It says they are particularly vulnerable to the respiratory disease because of the conditions they live in.
Barbara Kentish, acting coordinator for People Not Walls, said: "We are very concerned that, given the rapid spread of this virus, migrants who sleep mainly outdoors and without sanitation are at great risk .
"We call on the French authorities to take the necessary precautions, not only for migrants, but also for those who try as far as possible to provide them with basic aid every day."
The group says there are already a few cases of COVID-19 in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais area.
People Not Walls stresses that the virus among migrants may get out of control as they are in an unprotected environment, they lived in unsanitary conditions and lack washing faclities.
The group says migrants survive in conditions that favour the onset and spread of infectious diseases.
These include cold, humidity, stress, fatigue and having to overcrowd in light tents.
People Not Walls says that coronavirus can strongly affect people who are already sick through conditions such as bronchitis and head colds.
Volunteers are neither trained nor equipped to detect symptoms and properly advise sufferers.
People Not Walls says that its colleagues in France say that containment measures proposed there are not adapted to the living condition of migrants.
The group adds there is a potential risk that people who test positive will infect others when they travel around Calais and try the reach the UK, rather than rest and self-isolate.
Within the last 18 months there has been a trend of migrants based in northern France reaching the UK, usually Kent, after crossing the Channel in small boats.
Many have had to be rescued at sea by officials and a number have come from Iran, one of the worst affected countries since the crisis began.
They hav usually been brought into Dover for interview and processing
But a Border Force trade unionists says that colleagues are on their guard IF COVID-19 in case migrants, originating from worst-hit countries. show symptoms.
Kevin Mills is South East and Europe branch secretary of the Border Force officers’ trade union PCS (Public and Commercial Services).
He told the Mercury: "Any migrant is a potential hazard.
"We have ensured additional personal protective equipment and officers are given clear guidance.
"Any showing symptoms will need to be referred on.
"It is a concern and the union is monitoring developments. It is not just migrants but arrivals particularly in the airport environment."
Public Health England says that Iran is a Category 1 area along with Italy, all of which is in lockdown.
These countries are in the same status as the city of Wuhan in the Hubei Province of China where the illness first appeared last December.
