One Big Thing: How will Refugees and Displaced Persons Deal with Coronavirus?

What is it?

• While many of us deal with Coronavirus by self-isolating and social distancing, the 70 million displaced people do not have that option or luxury. They are already amongst the most vulnerable populations and their situation is worsening as countries around the world close their borders to quarantine from COVID-19.
• Refugees International released a report which details exactly how and why the COVID-19 pandemic will negatively affect refugee populations around the world, including an update on the refugee population living at our southern border.

Why is it important?

• Refugee camps around the world typically lack resources under normal circumstances but these issues have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak. Limited access to clean water and information, overpopulation, and supply chain challenges have worsened as the world turns its attention to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Refugees international’s report highlighted the need to deploy medical personnel and supplies, build up COVID-19 testing capabilities for refugee populations, and prioritize building isolation and quarantine areas within camps.

What can you do?

• Learn more about the refugee and displaced persons situation by visiting the UNHCR and keep track of coronavirus’s spread from Johns Hopkins University and Medicine’s Coronavirus Resource Center and the World Health Organization’s daily situation reports.
• If you think you have been exposed to coronavirus and develop symptoms, immediately call your healthcare provider for medical advice. You should take the appropriate steps to prevent spreading the disease to those around you.