COUNCILS across Hampshire are set to move rough sleepers into housing by this weekend for self-isolation.

The government had reportedly instructed all local authorities to house the rough sleepers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Government officials warned councils to close down communal night shelters temporarily due to risks of spreading the virus.

They also asked that those without a home are given safe places to stay during the national lockdown.

In a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus, Test Valley Borough Council had to offer accommodation to rough sleepers by 5pm on Friday.

A spokesperson for Test Valley Borough Council said: "All rough sleepers will have to be brought inside or offered accommodation by 5pm tonight (Friday).

"We have to offer it to them but if they refuse, they will stay outside, and we will cease the use of shared arrangements in hostels. So if there is multiple single rough sleepers, they can't share accommodation together.

"We will be phoning round hotels, which may be out of the area due to some hotels being closed, as well as other forms of accommodation."

Southampton City Council also confirmed that Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has requested for placement in hotels to protect rough sleepers.

However, this only includes rough sleepers - defined as people sleeping in open air - and not homeless people, which can include someone staying in temporary accommodation.

But homeless families in Southampton are continuing to be given support, while some are being housed in self-contained temporary accommodation in the city.

A statement on Southampton City Council's website reads: "Despite experiencing some disruption at this time, we are continuing to provide support services to homeless families, including those who need emergency help, in the normal ways.

"We are still using self-contained temporary accommodation in the city to house families.

"We are working with local hotels to increase the number of spaces available to single rough sleepers who are not able to self-isolate. This is in addition to beds in the city’s hostels, which are operating fully at the moment.

"Our street outreach work is happening regularly and with the support of health practitioners to encourage those found sleeping rough to access our services. The Homeless Day Centre remains open in the mornings providing food, drinks and washing facilities for rough sleepers."

Fareham Borough Council said they are also working with charity Two Saints to provide emergency housing.

A spokesperson for Fareham Borough Council said: "We are working closely with Public Health England and our rough sleeper services provider, Two Saints, to provide emergency accommodation to enable all rough sleepers to self-isolate and have access to relevant support and information."

New Forest District Council were also asked for comment.