Disabled people at high risk of infection

Visakhapatnam: The lockdown aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 has rendered many social groups vulnerable. While the plight of stranded migrants, senior citizens and people with disabilities has been at least discussed, disabled people and their problems have largely been left out of the conversation.

Meanwhile, those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired or have physical disabilities are miserable during the lockdown fighting panic, anxiety, fear and depression.

Many disabled people are at a higher risk if they contract Covid-19. For example, it is common for those with spinal cord injuries to have compromised pulmonary functions or those with muscular dystrophy to have lower diaphragm function leading to lung problems making them particularly vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.

Further, people with disabilities such as wheelchair-users or bed-ridden patients have to depend on caregivers. Now, with no one to take care of them as caregivers are refusing to continue work, the lives of such disabled people have become very difficult. As a result, many people with disabilities are unable to take precautions like washing their hands repeatedly.

People with disabilities also feel that they are more susceptible to viruses and other ailments. Sai Padma who runs Global Aid— an organisation for physically disabled people— said, “I am a polio survivor and have been suffering from spinal scoliosis which has affected my lungs. I fear that if I get sick, my husband won’t even be able to take me to the hospital without seeking help from people to lift me from my wheelchair.”

Most disabled people are unable to take all the precautions. Prasad, who suffers from severe arthritis and psoriasis said, “Even though I wash my hands 20 times a day, I immediately have to touch my wheelchair to move. I am confused and don’t know what to do in the absence of a caregiver.”

Dilip Patro, who is wheelchair bound and runs a rehabilitation centre for people with disabilities, said, “For a person with a physical disability, social distancing is impossible due to dependence on others.”

“We need to think about policies to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided basic facilities in case their caregiver is quarantined,” Dilip added.


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