For Banyan shelter in San Thome, taking care of their inmates at the time of Coronavirus spread has become a challenge.
At present, there are 41 mentally challenged persons at the shelter. Says Harilal, manager of the shelter, “As they take psychiatric medicines, they are more susceptible to any kind of infection. So we are taking extra precautions to prevent them from getting affected by the virus.”
Apart from a few residential staff, volunteers who come from far off places are asked not to visit the shelter till the lockdown is over.
Says Adarsh, the Coordinator at the shelter, “Even if some of our clients get a fever, we are isolating them. They are provided with all the necessary medicines. Doctors from Banyan and Chennai Corporation also monitor them regularly.”
Another challenge for the team is to ensure the inmates follow social distancing. Says Adarsh, “Though we have briefed them to stay away from each other, it is difficult for them to understand. Hence, we always stay with them so they follow social distancing.”
Providing food to their clients has become yet another challenge. Adarsh says, “Earlier, we used to get food from a nearby restaurant. However, following lockdown, it closed. Now, workers from our shelter at Mogappair prepare and bring the food all the way to San Thome three times a day. “
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