Due to the suspension of chimney checks, Budapest’s chimney sweepers are helping those in need. Since the end of March, more than 4000 households have been given food and medicine.
From 17 March, FŐKÉTÜSZ Kft. temporarily stopped their planned chimney checks in Budapest in order to prevent the spread of the virus. However, Budapest’s chimney sweepers still carry out lifesaving duties. From 23 March, almost 500 of the company’s employees are carrying out social duties with 32 vehicles. Chimney sweepers are delivering food and medicine for vulnerable and elderly residents. The employees of FŐKÜTÉSZ have delivered tons of food and medicine to more than 4,000 households as of the beginning of May. Until their regular work resumes, chimney sweepers are participating in social sector duties with the employees of Mayors’ offices, coordinated by Budapest Law Enforcement Directorate.
City Hall providing shelter for homeless people
In addition to residents of nursing homes, homeless people are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. Those living in extreme poverty and without a home are hardly able to follow the pandemic regulations. Not to mention, a lot of them are older and/or have a pre-existing medical condition. Budapest’s social institutions were not equipped to accommodate to the social distancing requirements that are indispensable in stopping the virus. Even though the city has now created further space for another 500 people, further development is crucial to meet self-isolation requirements.
Therefore, one of the wings of the City Hall building – later to be used as the Budapest Gallery – is being renovated to serve as a temporary shelter for the homeless who would like to voluntarily enter into quarantine during the pandemic.
Source: Mayor’s Office and FŐKÉTÜSZ (Metropolitan Chimney Sweeping company)
