The repercussions of Coronavirus are being felt across the whole world. But the degree to which they are felt greatly depends on social and economic status. Refugees are one of the groups facing the most severe effects of the virus. And in Calais, the vulnerable conditions are in full display.
Calais is a port city situated at the narrowest point of the English Channel, making it the closest French city to England. Because of this proximity to England, it is a major stopping point for refugees and migrants on their way to the United Kingdom. This has led to many encampments being made in the city, most notably the “Calais Jungle,” which gained international attention due to its population of nearly 10,000 during the European migrant crisis.
Following the clearing of the camp, the French government addressed a no tolerance speech to the refugees in Calais. They would continue to pass through Calais, but faced constant force from local authorities.
Today, their situation has devolved considerably. As of April 21, France has reported 120,000 cases and 20,000 deaths. The Hauts-de-France region, where Calais is located, has 4,000 cases. As of early April, 1,000 refugees and migrants are left without access to proper sanitation, water, or food. The number in one camp went from two to nine in three days. When in such dire circumstances, social distancing is not a possibility. Beyond this, their lack of access to basic resources, along with the intense stress of daily life, ensures that their immune systems are weak.
The organizations helping the migrants have been forced to suspend their activities due to the virus, leaving them without access to hot food. Now, without the means to acquire the declaration forms needed to leave home, they do not have the means to go to supermarkets. Instead, migrants are reliant on food packs given by local authorities: a piece of bread, cheese, and butter.
Their camps are continuing to be cleared and they are being sent to accommodation centers.
The buses used to escort the refugees do not have enough space to maintain social distancing, and are only able to carry 30 people every two days, a pace criticized for being too slow.
The transfers are said to be voluntary, but after facing consistent force from police, most migrants do not trust the authorities. Many migrants would rather cross the Channel to England than find out what accommodation center life is like. The number of channel crossing attempts has surged due to Coronavirus. This is an incredibly dangerous journey made on inflatable boats, that refugees are willing to risk making just to avoid both French authorities and the dire conditions of the camps.
For migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in Calais, COVID-19 is not the greatest threat. It is simply another threat, another obstacle to surviving and starting a new life. Across the world, vulnerable peoples now face even greater risks due to the virus.
Arlo O’Blaney
grew up in New York City. He is currently a sophomore human rights major at Bard College. He intends on using this background to pursue a job in journalism or law.