Fire breaks out at Napier Barracks as residents ordered to self-isolate

A fire has broken out and fire engines have been called to Napier Barracks in Folkestone following an upsetting afternoon for the residents. They each received an impersonal letter from Clearsprings, the accommodation provider, saying they would be split into new ‘bubbles’ and would need to self isolate for a further ten days.

With many people still suffering from Covid and little treatment having been received the news of internal moves caused a great deal of shock. For those not yet infected being told they would be locked inside and at risk for another ten days was a blow. They have been kept in this military setting too long. They say they feel like they are in prison.

This week we talked to many residents who told us that the lack of communication and confusion have contributed greatly to the fear and tension inside. Living in constant fear of Covid is bad enough. A letter like this is another example of poor communication and lack of care from management, who could have had the decency to talk to people about so serious a matter.