Like many nations worldwide, India is currently under lockdown to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. As of March 24th, 2020, the movement of the entire population of 1.3 billion has been limited as a preventative measure.
We are thankful to say that there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Helping Point’s communities. Helping Point is abiding with all government regulations, and the charity’s projects closed just ahead of the shutdown. Our team in India ensured that all the children staying at St Simon’s School or Jhola Children’s Home were safely returned to their parents or extended families.
Helping Point is providing aid to respond to community needs in this challenging time. This includes safely preparing food to be distributed to those in need, and communicating vital information on how to prevent the spread of infection such as the importance of hand-washing and staying at home.
The situation is especially challenging for Helping Point’s communities, as many people rely on daily wages from agricultural work to feed their families. As for so many workers worldwide - especially those in unstable employment - being unable to work is extremely worrying. The majority of homes in Helping Point’s communities are very small. Many of them of mud brick and grass roof construction with no running water, electricity or sanitation facilities. Therefore, not being able to go outside is especially hard for people, especially in temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius.
Please pray for everyone in Helping Point’s communities, in India, and worldwide, for safety and provision as we face this pandemic together.
We will be in touch again soon with further information, and details of how you can support the relief efforts.