Food distribution in a local village earlier this month, before lockdown restrictions increased
In recent days, India has reported a surge in COVID-19 across its states and the impact is also being witnessed in Helping Point’s communities.
There are 22,693 confirmed cases in Odisha and 72,711 confirmed cases in Andhra Pradesh, of which 11,000 are in the north. Hundreds of new cases have been reported in the towns and villages where Helping Point is operating.
We are still distributing food and supplies to the needy where possible, as India has been under varying levels of lockdown for nearly four months. Many people have lost their jobs and are without income and our support has helped them to have daily meals. However, the situation has become much more difficult and people are very fearful.
Presently, the local government has imposed strict lockdown rules and regulations once more. In light of this situation, we have had to pause most of our food distribution and awareness programs as it is unsafe for the Helping Point staff to go to the communities at this point. Movement is restricted and no public transportation is operating at the moment. However, we are continuously paying heed to the needs of the people in the villages. As we have reserved food in various places, our local pastors and staff are helping communities wherever possible.
Many people in the villages where we operate are sick at the moment with fever, cough and cold-like symptoms, including in Liviri, Hiramandalam, Gumma and Lopenta. Some are going to the government-run Primary Health Centres to receive testing and medication, while others are staying at home as they are worried about the stigma. The news of deaths in some local places is causing sorrow and alarm.
Kindly pray for Helping Point staff and the people in our communities. We thank our donors and partners for their continuous support and prayers for Helping Point’s work in India.