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UN: Rehousing of Moria Fire Victims on Lesbos Island Proceeding Smoothly

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - The United Nations says an operation to shelter thousands of
   migrants and refugees made homeless by fires that devastated the Moria
   center on the Greek island of Lesbos is proceeding smoothly despite
   fears of violent disruptions.

   More than 12,000 asylum seekers who fled fires that destroyed the Moria
   reception center nearly two weeks ago have been living out in the open
   or in makeshift shelters.

   The U.N. refugee agency says nearly 5,000 people have been moved to a
   new emergency facility set up by Greek authorities in Kara Tepe, close
   to the remains of Moria. The new site can accommodate 8,000 people.

   Many of the migrants had resisted efforts to move them to temporary
   tents set up after the fires, fearing they would be stuck there.
   However, UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo says a police operation that
   began Thursday to transfer the asylum seekers to the new site has been
   proceeding smoothly. She says no use of force or incidents of violence
   have been reported.

   "Before entering the facility, all new residents are undergoing rapid
   COVID-19 testing to help contain the virus," she said. "As of today, as
   a result of this mass testing, we understand there are some 150
   positive cases. All have received medical attention and are isolating
   in a quarantine area within the new site."

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