NEWS/PROJECT FUNDING: Crowding continues to be an issue – Wilcannia is proof
Crowding has been acknowledged as a social determinant exasperating the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
As various news articles report, 30 caravans have been established in Wilcannia as temporary accommodation for isolating COVID-19 patients. This is proof that crowding continues to be a health risk.
Healthabitat continues to be concerned about the health issues as a result of crowding. An extract from the former National Indigenous Housing Guide reminds us of these;
“…Crowded living conditions increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases, such as meningococcal disease, rheumatic fever, tuberculosis and respiratory infections.
In a crowded house it can also be more difficult to access health hardware, such as hot water, showers and clothes washing facilities.”
Crowding Project Funding for Kimberly Communities & COVID-19
‘A culturally specific crowding guideline for COVID-19 Pandemic Planning, Response and Recovery in Remote Kimberly Communities’ project has been funded and is led by Nirrumbuk Environment Health and Services. First Nations-led, it will involve community consultation about crowding and lived experiences.
Healthabitat looks forward to the locally specific research outcomes for the Kimberly communities and what this might mean for crowding and many other communities.
