Caritas organisations in Asia are offering support and prayers to people infected with and affected by the COVID19 (Coronavirus).
COVID19 – more commonly known as Coronavirus – has infected tens of thousands of people in almost 30 countries and is thought to have killed over 1,300 people in mainland China. There is currently no cure for the potentially deadly flu-like virus which emerged in late 2019.
“Today we are confronted with another form of emergency situation which is neither man-made nor natural, but rather an epidemic that we must face in calmness. We are ready to help the victims concerned and we are united in prayer with all those affected,” says Aloysius John, secretary-general of Caritas Internationalis.
Caritas Hong Kong has been distributing surgical masks to people in need and has stepped up checks on staff and the people they serve while increasing the frequency of cleaning of public areas. They are urging donations of more masks because supplies are running out quickly. There have been 49 confirmed cases in Hong Kong so far.
Caritas has been assessing the needs of the vulnerable population by phone and has also set up street kiosks to raise awareness about the dangers and prevention of the virus. It is also providing food assistance, hand sanitiser and hygiene products to needy families and vulnerable people. People in low-paid jobs have been asked to cut their hours or to stay home without pay, so support is vital for them.
As schools are closed in Hong Kong, Caritas has organised volunteers to give online homework support and is also promoting different educational platforms to promote autonomous learning among students.
Caritas is supporting government efforts to prevent the virus with particular focus on homes for the elderly and rehabilitation centres. They are collecting surgical masks and passing them on to the government for distribution. They have also opened a delivery channel to send masks to Hong Kong. There are currently 10 confirmed cases in Macau.
It is also providing temporary accommodation to migrant workers who travel across the border to mainland China and continuing to support the most vulnerable and people who live alone by providing meals.
Original source: Caritas
Published on 18 February 2020
