SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19 IN INDIA

As India hits the grave milestone of the highest ever single-day spike of almost 380,000 new cases of COVID-19 infections on 29 Apr 2021, and crossing the staggering 18 million mark in total. The sense of helplessness is surpassing all the local and international efforts to support the collapsing healthcare infrastructure.

Understating the human toll of the country’s outbreak, which accounts for nearly half of all new cases in a global surge, the government is reporting more than 300,000+ new infections daily, and the rate of new infections is growing faster than it is in any other nation. It is also feared that the official tally of infections and related deaths is vastly underestimated.

Frontline health workers and volunteers are working round-the-clock to keep up with the pace of health measures. Furnaces have melted down from overuse and additional funeral platforms are being built outside. Such are the heartbreaking messages and haunting images that highlight the formidable second wave of the coronavirus pandemic raging through the country. The Church in India has lost many of its faithful laity and religious brothers and sisters in their pursuit to serve the distressed population.

As an immediate intervention to this humanitarian health crisis, there is an urgent need to reduce the stress on the healthcare system, and to provide an avenue for those who are marginalised to seek care and support.