Instead, public health workers should be tasked with finding adequate shelter and working with the unhoused to transport them there. Since police are not adequately trained in public health diagnosis or protocols, these interactions could increase the exposure of police and, through them, others to the COVID-19 virus. Should quarantines and containment zones limit movement of the general public, the limited shelter options means the unhoused could experience an increased likelihood of contact with police officers. Many are under- or uninsured and lack access to adequate healthcare.
The region’s unhoused often lack basic shelter opportunities, may be staying in close quarters, do not have regular access to running water, and cannot self-quarantine if exposed to COVID-19.
#Ransdells lack of attendance s ipetition free#
Make COVID-19 testing and treatment free and available to all.While widespread poverty requires structural reform, we call for the following immediate actions:
Even positive efforts to combat the spread of this pandemic such as canceling large events come with the consequence of many families already on the brink of poverty missing paychecks. This not only creates an unacceptable heightened risk of families suffering this puts us all in danger because of the likelihood of those who work in the exact spaces where the disease is most likely to spread powering through their symptoms to avoid missing work. Many will not have access to paid sick leave. The working poor are less likely to get tested for COVID-19 because of a lack of access to health insurance to make that test or treatment affordable.
#Ransdells lack of attendance s ipetition how to#
By some estimates, almost half of Americans cannot follow the CDC recommendations for how to prepare or cope with COVID-19 because they simply do not have the resources to pre-pay for weeks’ worth of basic living expenses. The immediate crisis of this pandemic has special ramifications for our national, ongoing crisis of those working, yet still living in poverty. Our shared safety and health depends upon it. For this reason, local and state policymakers should implement a comprehensive set of policies targeted at the following populations most at risk of contracting this disease, and the institutions and practices that pose the greatest threat. If our region is to effectively combat the spread of this virus, and truly prioritize the health of all its people, we must today adopt an approach that centers the needs of those who are otherwise likely to be most impacted. Too many in this region do not even have the privilege of freedom-they remain locked in cages, at once secluded and exposed. Nor can we all comfortably avoid workplaces, state offices, or courts that demand appearance and payment. We do not all have the luxury of private spaces that we call home. We are heartened that local officials have begun implementing precautionary measures in the interest of public health however, we also know that in the absence of policies specifically designed to ensure the well-being of our most marginalized communities, such communities will suffer greatly. As organizations committed to justice and equity in our region, we are mindful in this moment that the most vulnerable among us are also those most at risk as this virus spreads. Louisans, we recognize the unique challenge posed by the rapid spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, which has now been designated a global pandemic. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell BurtonĢ2nd Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge Rex M. Draper IIIĢ1st Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge Michael D. Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice George W. Louis County Public Health Acting Director Dr. Louis County Council Chairwoman Lisa Clancy