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Indian non profit activates national non-medical advice helpline for coronavirus

Flickr photo of phone by Ant & Carrie Coleman via Creative Commons

An Indian non profit has activated a hotline for non-medical advice centered on providing guidance related to COVID-19, Indica News reports

The World Health Organization has officially characterized the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. Due to growing national concern, Sewa International convened a meeting of community leaders in early March to prepare a framework of response. 

“Plugging into resources offered by different government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), various departments of county and city governments, a taskforce was set up to come up with a comprehensive approach to the pandemic,” said Achalesh Amar, Director of Disaster Relief for the Hindu faith-based humanitarian organization. 

Based on taskforce recommendations, Sewa International profit has activated hotlines in the US in the Midwest (281-909-7392), Northeast (708-872-7392 and 302-330-7392) and Western (203-872-7392) regions. 

According to Indica News, the helplines will offer non-medical advice related to precautionary measures and treatment centers. The organization, which specializes in disaster relief and rehabilitation, is also taking to social media to provide guidance to citizens. 

“We are especially concerned about the vulnerable population with weak immune systems, such as seniors, the sick, or very young children,” Sewa International president Sree Sreenath said in a statement. “We are circulating WhatsApp messages with helpful information on how to prepare and take precautions. Various chapters in the US are directed to help local communities with up-to-date information as (coronavirus) related cases get confirmed in a particular area.”

Vice President for Disaster Relief Swadesh Katoch addressed panic among the Indian American community related to buying and stocking up masks, sanitizers, toilet paper and food items. He added that people have expressed concerns regarding the different ways schools are responding to the evolving situation. 

According to a release from Sewa International, the non profit will also be conducting webinars and distributing flyers that provide information based on various sources. Topics include the difference between the flu and COVID-19, preventative measures and anxiety-reducing techniques.

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