2.2.2 Homeless people The European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA) points out that staying at home is not an option for homeless people, many of whom have other underlying conditions, putting them at particular risk of COVID-19.150 Authorities and organisations in several Member States have taken the vulnerability of homeless people into account when planning and implementing containment measures. People entering shelters in Latvia are also checked for COVID-19 symptoms.151 In Croatia, homeless persons who consume food in public kitchens must follow hygiene and social distancing measures.152 Municipalities in the Netherlands have set up special housing units for homeless people who become infected.153 Homeless centres in Belgium are also opening special sectors to house COVID-19 patients.154 On 20 March, the French Housing Minister announced that the state will spend an additional €50 million for accommodation and that hotel rooms would be made available for homeless people.155 However, reports from Germany and Luxembourg156 indicate that medical and other services for homeless people are being closed, partly because workers lack protective equipment, or because staff have to care for their own families at home. In Ireland, many homeless people are housed in emergency accommodation, which sometimes requires that they vacate it during the day, despite the fact that facilities such as schools, restaurants and libraries are shut.157 2.2.3 Older people According to the WHO, older people and people with preexisting medical conditions (such as asthma or diabetes) are more likely to become severely ill or die if they contract COVID-19.158 In addition, they may lack access to necessary services, in particular as more services move online in light of social distancing measures. There are widespread reports of online grocery services being booked out for weeks in advance, for example, making them difficult for older people to access. Older people who live alone are at particular risk of isolation.159 Some Member States have taken positive steps to ensure older people can access essential services and information. In Malta, older people enrolled in the Pharmacy Of Your Choice scheme160 are eligible to receive a two-month stock of medicine, helping them to avoid health centres and pharmacies.161 In Luxembourg, the government launched an easy to use online shopping platform for older people and people with health issues,162 while the Slovakian city of Bratislava has launched a helpline for seniors163 and published information on their official Facebook page on how individuals can help older people.164 31