Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: “Crisis is urgently requesting guidance from the Government on how to protect people who are homeless, specifically rough sleepers, against coronavirus. People sleeping rough are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to have a range of existing health conditions and face specific challenges in that they may be unable to regularly wash their hands, nor can they self-isolate if they feel unwell.

“This guidance must set out what measures Government is taking to ensure rough sleepers get appropriate health checks, what accommodation will be provided so that people can self-isolate and advice for the public on how best they can support people who are homeless during the coronavirus outbreak.”