Opinion
You could solve one outbreak by vaccinating the homeless against Hepatitis A (there is one available) and providing then adequate bathroom facilities.
We are likely a year out for a Coronavirus vaccine. You could help mitigate the spread by providing the homeless with homes, food and health care.
Being a good human is good for humanity.
The Seattle Times reports that a local outbreak over the past several months has showed some concerns were justified. More than 100 people have been sickened by hepatitis A in King County since the beginning of January, compared with annual totals of five to 16 cases during the past decade, according to Public Health — Seattle & King County. Nearly 50 percent have been among people experiencing homelessness.
Of 30 local cases in March, 14 were from people who were homeless in the Ballard area, according to Public Health director Patty Hayes.
Officials are now confronting two outbreaks at once: A novel coronavirus pandemic that has proven deadly, as well as hepatitis A, a highly infectious liver disease transmitted through fecal matter that disproportionately harms people who are homeless. And advocates say the city has not done enough to prevent either in its unsheltered homeless communities.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Marler Clark has donated nearly $100,000 to food banks and restaurants that are serving those financially impacted.
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