Free face masks are to be given to the homeless in a joint initiative by the City of Hamilton and the Department of Health.

Meanwhile, the City said it has hired a private company to conduct an assessment of homelessness in Bermuda while government is looking into providing regular Covid-19 testing for those living on the streets.

Some 2,000 masks will be given out to protect against the spread of Covid-19 following feedback from the City’s staff who observed many without face coverings.

Masks are already being distributed to the unsheltered population, churches and city feeding programmes. Distribution will continue in the coming weeks and months.

Dwayne Caines, City of Hamilton chief executive, said: “The City has been working hard with various stakeholders from the across the community to address issues involving the homeless population and provide tangible solutions and assistance to this group.

“We recognise that homelessness and vagrancy is a complicated issue that has many layers and that addressing the issues will require the community to come together to do their part.

“By way of an update in this regard, I can confirm that the City has engaged a private company to conduct a thorough assessment of homelessness in Bermuda. I will provide a further update on this in the coming weeks.

“The City of Hamilton remains committed in working with businesses, governmental agencies and the charitable sector to identify how we can effectively and efficiently manage homelessness in the City.”

David Kendell, director of the Department of Health, added: “The Ministry of Health is actively looking to implement a plan to provide Covid-19 testing for the unsheltered population on a regular basis.”