When we launched the COVID-19 Homelessness Index, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases was more or less doubling each week. Using data for the last 3 weeks (7, 14 and 20 April), we observe that the number of cases now increases in roughly 25 thousand cases per week. Consistently, the maximum value of the Index continues to increase but no longer doubles every week.  

The Index continues to highlight that the metropolitan areas of London, Manchester and Birmingham face the highest risks, due to high numbers of temporary accommodation units and instances of COVID-19, with London Boroughs consistently topping the Index. Other towns near to the capital, such as Slough, Bedford and Reading are also amongst the most highlighted by this metric.

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Areas in the South including Southampton, Brighton, Kent, Medway and Southend-on-Sea are also facing mounting pressures as the number of cases continues to increase (particularly in Kent) while they also have a large proportion of people living in temporary accommodation. Other with a significant increase in the number of cases in the last week are Gateshead (24 cases more per day in the last week, per 100,000 inhabitants; +25 positions in the ranking), Reading (17.51 cases per day; +17 positions), and Blackpool (12.31 cases per day, +10 positions).

In London, the patterns remain similar over time with Brent, Southwark, Lambeth and Kensington and Chelsea consistently at the top of the Index due to the high numbers of both temporary accommodation and confirmed cases of COVID-19. Other London areas like Croydon and Sutton, and nearby Luton have moved up in the ranking due to marked increases in infections. However, a reason for optimism is that while the number of additional confirmed cases continues to increase, it is doing so at a slower pace throughout the city (represented by lighter colours in the bubbles). 

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To view and download the full dataset, click here.

We will continue to update and adjust the Index as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases change over coming weeks, and also develop related resources and analysis to help decision makers harness the power of data in their responses to the crisis.

This update is part of a series. To read the full introduction of the Covid-19 Homelessness Index and early analysis, click here.