Many volunteer initiatives in capital hit a roadblock

Thiruvananthapuram: Though Covid-19 cases were reported from the capital, there was collaborative effort not to create panic among public and to support the affected. After an initial stage of shock, a set of Good Samaritans came out offering support for those who are undergoing home isolation. However, after the announcement of the three-week lockdown, police have given a strict instruction not to engage in such services.
Most volunteer initiatives to provide food and essentials to people on home quarantine and senior citizens have come to a halt after the lockdown.A section of volunteers are providing services in their localities.
Mathew Jacob, one of the first persons to launch a volunteer initiative to support people in home quarantine, said that they were denied permission to deliver the materials. “Though police obstructed us, we are still getting calls from people in need. It will be difficult for volunteers to deliver materials without police permission,” he said.
When contacted, DCP R Karuppasamy said that they are only allowing volunteers who are working in co-ordination with the health department. “Volunteers who are providing service with the support of health department can continue. However, we cannot allow others because various organizations and clubs will start doing this. It will defeat the purpose of the lockdown. However, when there is need we will contact such volunteers. So, we are keeping a database of people who contacted us with the demand,” he said.
Though the health team, police and corporation are making arrangements to provide support to people on home quarantine, it is facing some initial hiccups. Those persons who returned from foreign countries and are undergoing home quarantine are facing difficulties in getting essential items following the lockdown. Unlike others, they were not able to stock enough supplies.
Senior citizens too are facing difficulties at the time of lockdown as domestic helps could not reach their houses. Many have started looking for maids who could stay with them.
Youth volunteers Vivek Vijayakumar, Akhil M, Manu A K and Ivan John are engaged in volunteer services in and around Sasthamangalam area. “We provide home-cooked food to elderly and people who are stranded. Understanding the purpose of the lockdown, we are providing services only in our locality. We feel that if a youngster in a locality is willing, he could take care of the needs of 10 families there,” said Vivek.
The police have made it mandatory for all to carry IDs and self-declaration statements while going out for necessary purposes.