Covid-positive asylum seekers moved to Coventry...

The authority says it had no say in the matter, but have moved to reassure residents



Coventry council has reassured residents there is no need to panic after 35 asylum seekers who tested positive for Covid-19 were placed in private-rented homes across the city.

The group was moved from Birmingham to several addresses in the city last month as part of a Home Office agreement with contractor Serco and private landlords.

The authority, which previously used planning powers to stop the arrival of asylum seekers to the Royal Court Hotel last month, said the agreement was struck without their input - but all 35 people with the virus have now completed their isolation period.

A Home Office spokesman added a range of Covid-prevention measures were put in place to protect other residents after consultation was carried out with the authority.

The UK has a statutory obligation to provide destitute asylum seekers with accommodation and support while their application is considered.

Valerie DeSouza, Public Health consultant at Coventry City Council, told a test and trace meeting on Monday, September 14, that the cases were “well-managed” by the authority, with all having completed their isolation period.

“As far as we know no onwards transmission occurred on account of that,” she said.

...As far as we know...

Doesn't that inspire confidence?

I bet none of them were housed close to where a councillor lives?

I very much doubt it to Dutchman . I know they provide asylum homes in the Stoke area.

I thought the CCC refused to take any more not long ago they said they felt they were being taken for granted and why are we taking them from Birmingham .