Coronavirus concerns spread among homeless New Yorkers
New York City homeless service agencies have begun issuing basic guidance about the coronavirus to nonprofit providers, but with uncertainty and false reports spreading far faster than the actual illness, accurate information often fails to reach the New Yorkers who actually live in shelters.
Homeless New Yorkers, their advocates and shelter staff say the dissemination of information varies depending on the individual provider, and many shelters have failed to adequately address residents’ practical concerns.
“Everybody’s worried. It’s all over the news, but they’re not saying anything,” said Sean Burt, of the Jamaica family shelter where lives with his son.