The current situation in Tamil Nadu
We are in regular contact with our partners in South India, CRUSADE, MASARD, and CARE, who are informing us of the local situation and the impact COVID-19 is having on the local people we support.
Infections:
Although infections are increasing in Tiruvallur district where CRUSADE operate, the rise in cases is more visible in urban locations as opposed to rural villages. In Minjur for example, the cases in Minjur town are higher than that of the villages that surround it.
CARE report that in their district of Chengalpattu, 3581 people have been infected and 33 have died. Their staff report that the virus is infecting entire families and that some children have sadly died.
MASARD report that infections are beginning to occur in the villages they support. The highest number of cases in a MASARD village is 5. In neighbouring villages, there are reports of 25-30 positive cases.
Lockdowns:
Due to the rise in infections, local lockdowns are being imposed. Currently, evening lockdowns are in place over the weekend for a total of 36 hours. During this time there is no public transport and all the shops are closed.
We will have more information on the implementation of a 14-day lockdown following the election results next week. From this information, we will have a better understanding on the pressing needs of the rural population.
Morale in the villages:
MASARD report that there is general fatigue among villagers. Members of the community are willing to visit doctors, but they fear that if they test positive then they will be sent directly to an isolation facility. CRUSADE report that there has been general fear after learning about the severe COVID-19 cases of public celebrities.
CARE report that the begging communities they support are feeling scared for their day-to-day lives. With temples, churches and centres closed, the villagers are unable to beg and earn a living. Marriage conducting halls are also shut, causing some villagers to lose their cleaning jobs.
Vaccines
Some of CRUSADE’s health workers have received the vaccine and are spreading positive news to the villagers and the rest of the staff regarding their experience. It has been announced that from 1st May, vaccines will be available to 18-45-year-olds. Most of our staff in India are in this age group and will be accessing the vaccine wherever possible.
We will learn more about vaccine opportunities over the coming weeks.
How will India’s second wave affect the rural villages we support?
If a national lockdown is announced this week, then the people we support will be without work and income. With shops and transport also shut, the villagers situated many miles away from amenities will struggle to obtain food and necessities.
We are anticipating that the money from the appeal will go towards food and water. Last year, we helped to save thousands of families from starvation through our appeal that raised over £55,000.
Many households have found it difficult to recover from the first wave of COVID. Now, with another lockdown on the horizon and savings exhausted, the rural population fear hunger again.
We will continue to post updates on the situation. The money you are donating will provide a become of hope and means of survival for the rural population in Tamil Nadu.
We can assure you that every penny that is donated will be sent direct to India without any deductions.
