Washington: An Indian-American non-profit organisation has activated a helpline in the US in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19 has so far claimed over 7,177 lives, including 80 in America. Sewa International started the initiative after the World Health Organization (WHO) characterised the COVID-19 outbreak as a 'pandemic' and expressed deep concern over its 'alarming levels' of 'spread, severity, as well as inaction'.
'A task force was set up to come up with a comprehensive approach to the pandemic after plugging into resources offered by different government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), various departments of county and city,' said Achalesh Amar, the organisation's director for disaster relief.
Based on the recommendations of the task force, the organisation is activating a helpline for non-medical advice in Midwest, Northeast, and Western United States. 'We are especially concerned about the population with weak immune system, like seniors, the sick, or very young children. We are circulating WhatsApp messages with helpful information on how to prepare and take precautions,' President of Sewa International Sree Sreenath said.
'The biggest concern among the Indian-American community is about schools as every district is responding differently to the evolving situation, and most parents are not aware of the relaxation in attendance norms,' said Swadesh Katoch, organisation's Vice President for disaster relief. The organisation is also conducting regular webinars and distributing flyers with concise information from various authentic sources and experts on matters such as difference between flu and COVID-19, preventive measures, and techniques to reduce anxiety.
During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the volunteers of the organisation had helped rescue nearly 700 people. It raised over USD 3 million for Hurricane Harvey recovery, including a grant of USD 400,000 from the Houston Mayor's Fund, and a USD 500,000 grant from the American Red Cross. Over a dozen US States have declared a state of emergency with cities and counties announcing to take sweeping measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
