The Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham, currently housing asylum seekers, has been placed under strict movement restrictions following a scabies outbreak. This contagious skin condition, caused by microscopic mites, has raised health concerns among residents and the wider community.
Scabies Outbreak: What Happened?
The Cresta Court Hotel, located on Church Street, serves as temporary accommodation for up to 300 asylum seekers awaiting case reviews. Reports suggest that at least one individual arrived with scabies, which subsequently spread to others who arrived around the same time.
Understanding Scabies: A Treatable but Contagious Condition
Scabies is a common condition caused by microscopic mites that burrow under the skin, leading to intensely itchy rashes. While it is highly contagious through close contact, it is treatable with prescribed medications and appropriate hygiene measures.
Steps Taken to Contain the Outbreak
Serco, the operator managing the hotel, has collaborated with Trafford Council’s Public Health team to mitigate the spread. According to Serco, measures include:
- Isolating affected individuals.
- Providing access to a GP stationed at the hotel for symptomatic residents.
- Halting all movement in and out of the hotel until the outbreak is under control.
A Serco spokesperson emphasized that the actions align with NHS recommendations.
Local Response: What Authorities Are Saying
Trafford Council has reassured the public, describing scabies as a manageable condition their teams regularly address in various settings. However, the situation has drawn attention from local representatives, including Altrincham and Sale West MP Connor Rand, who called for swift resolution.
A Broader Issue: The Use of Hotels for Asylum Accommodation
The Cresta Court Hotel is one of several hotels in the region repurposed for housing asylum seekers. Another hotel in the area was similarly utilized last year. The use of hotels comes amid a national backlog of asylum cases, with tens of thousands awaiting processing.
While this temporary solution costs millions of pounds per day, the UK government has committed to ending the use of hotels for asylum accommodation. However, the Home Office acknowledges that the system is under “unprecedented strain.”
Community Tensions: Protests and Petitions
The scabies outbreak has unfolded amid a backdrop of petitions, protests, and counter-protests surrounding the housing of asylum seekers in Altrincham. Calls for government action reflect both public health concerns and broader debates on asylum policy.
Conclusion: Addressing the Crisis
The scabies outbreak at Cresta Court Hotel highlights the challenges of housing large groups in confined spaces and the strain on the asylum system. Effective containment measures, combined with systemic reforms, are essential to prevent such incidents in the future while addressing the ongoing asylum backlog. Read more
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