2.1.3 Refugee camps / reception facilities Several Member States have introduced measures in reception facilities to contain the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing/quarantine measures133 and the temporary banning or restriction of visitors.134 This often means that providers of social services or legal aid cannot visit facilities. COVID-19 AND THE GREEK ISLAND HOTSPOTS As of 15 March, the five Aegean islands hotspots (which have a capacity for 6,178 persons) hosted 37,524 asylum applicants. Overcrowding and a complete lack of sanitation, combined with limited access to healthcare and basic services, exacerbate the risk of COVID-19 infections. As highlighted by Médecins Sans Frontières, under these conditions, infection prevention is impossible. In some parts of the Moria camp, there is just one water tap for 1,300 people and no soap. Greek authorities announced certain measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the hotspots, including restricting residents’ movements. Only one person per family or group can exit the hotspot within a stipulated period of time, and only to cover basic needs. Restricting movement in severely overcrowded camps can deepen human suffering, increase existing tensions in the camps and exacerbate the risk of domestic violence. In addition, the authorities announced the possibility to suspend educational and recreational activities, which will have a particularly detrimental effect on children. An emergency plan for the relocation of vulnerable individuals from the overcrowded camps to other areas on the islands is still discussed between the Greek authorities and the European Commission. The gravity of the situation was also highlighted by many civil society organisations who request the immediate decongestion of hotspots. Some Member States have set up ‘closed camps’ or new centres to accommodate people under quarantine. A refugee centre in Austria with 162 residents was put under quarantine, banning residents from leaving.135 In Cyprus, the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs is investigating allegations that a military camp will be converted into a closed camp for asylum seekers.136 In Ireland, the Department of Justice announced that it will pilot an off-site self-isolation facility for some asylum seekers who have tested positive for or are suspected of having COVID-19.137 Some Member States focus on monitoring the health of workers and people housed in reception facilities. For example in Croatia, a doctor is present at the reception centres every day and staff closely monitor the health of international protection seekers.138 There are encouraging reports about providing information on COVID-19 to residents of asylum and reception centres. For example in Portugal, the Refugee Council held information sessions, issued recommendations in several languages, put up posters with guidelines and handed out kits with alcoholbased gel and disinfectants. UNHCR Malta produced guidance in several languages139 and established a Facebook group. Organisations in some Member States, however, urged authorities to do more: for instance, the association Women in Exile & Friends in Germany points to the lack of information about COVID-19 in languages spoken by asylum seekers.140 Organisations in some Member States highlight issues of overcrowding in some facilities and the risk this poses to their residents. Migrant support organisations in Ireland have expressed concern about the conditions in reception facilities, warning that an outbreak would be devastating, due to the inability of those living there to self-isolate or maintain social distance.141 In Germany, the Bavarian Refugee Council appealed for an immediate dissolution of mass accommodation in refugee centres because of the risk of infection, proposing that refugees be housed in apartments or hotels.142 In Cyprus, despite the fact that the Kokkinotrimithia camp was already accommodating almost twice the number of people it has capacity for, 800 more people were to move to the camp in late March, as asylum seekers residing in hotels were told to vacate those premises.143 Further information: — Hellenic Police, National Situational Picture Regarding the Islands at Eastern Aegean Sea (15/3/2020). — Médecins Sans Frontières, COVID-19: Evacuation of squalid Greek camps more urgent than ever in light of coronavirus pandemic, 13 March 2020. — Joint Ministerial decision Δ1α/ΓΠ.οικ. 20030 published in Government Gazette 985/B/22.03.2020. — Politico, Senior MEP calls for EU action to stop coronavirus spreading to Greek migrant camps, 23 March 2020. — Reuters, EU asks Greece to move migrants most at risk from coronavirus out of crowded camps, 24 March 2020. — EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, FRA Director speaks with Greek authorities about migration, 24 March 2020. 29