Coronavirus: Bell Mantra Asylum Seekers in Preston fear for health
The 55 asylum seekers trapped in the Bell Mantra hotel, brought to Australia with medical conditions, are scared for their health, claiming their living conditions are a perfect storm for the coronavirus to run rampant.
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The 55 refugees trapped in a Preston hotel fear for their health and safety, claiming there is no way they’ll survive a coronavirus outbreak.
The asylum seekers were brought to Australia under the Medevac Bill, a piece of legislation allowing refugees access to healthcare as long as they had recommendations from two Australian doctors.
Because of this, most of the men trapped in the hotel have ongoing medical conditions.
Leader spoke to Moz Azimi, a Kurdish refugee who has been in detention since July 25, 2013 and in the hotel since November 11.
Mr Azimi said everyone inside was sick.
“Everyone is panicking because of this virus,” he said.
“Someone like me – I have breathing difficulties – I have asthma. I feel if I catch it I will die.”
Mr Azimi said the floor was staffed by around 30 detention officers who come and go throughout the day.
“This is a big hotel – many guests come in this hotel as well,” he said.
“It’s very risky.”
“Most of these officers don’t use gloves and masks and I have seen some of them have a runny nose and coughing.”
“The officers are in a small place – it’s impossible to practice distancing because the corridor is less than 1.5 metres.”
“If someone gets it, everyone gets it.”
A Department of Home Affairs spokesman said plans were in place to prevent infection and manage any suspected cases of coronavirus.
“A range of measures have been introduced, and are continually being reviewed, to keep detainees and staff informed of preventive measures and personal hygiene standards,” he said.
They have also increased cleaning of communal and high traffic areas.
The men occupy an entire floor of the Bell Mantra hotel in Preston and sleep in rooms of two or three people.
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They are not allowed to go outside and are not allowed visitors.
“22 hours a day I am spending my time in just one room,” Mr Azimi said.
“The other two hours I am walking in a narrow corridor and go to the kitchen to drink a tea or coffee.”
The men would have been released into the community after treatment but Medevac legislation was repealed in December, leaving their fate in the hands of the Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.
Mr Azimi said he hoped they could be released into the community.
“Everyone is sick and we really need help. Please help us,” he said.
“I am sure there are many wonderful people in Australia who care for us and I really appreciate you all.”