Up to 80 homeless people have already been tested for Covid-19 but those behind the initiative have warned that quicker results would allow them to stay ahead of the curve regarding those in emergency accommodation.

Homeless support organisations are making contingency plans for the spread of Covid-19 among those in emergency accommodation and accessing night services.

Dr Austin O'Carroll said: "People don't realise but more people die from drug related death than from suicide or car accidents combined. It's the biggest killer of young people."