While the infectious virus poses a major threat to the immunity system of all age, elderly people are more at risk, as the likelihood of having chronic conditions increases remarkably as you age.
With the COVID-19 spreading across the globe and claiming nearly 8,000 lives, multiple nations have undergone a virtual lockdown.
Amidst such a time of emergency and social distancing, a 'free mobile food support' initiative has begun in Slough, a town in Berkshire, England.
Started by the Sikh community of the town, the service will provide "healthy and nutritious" food essentials to people above the age of 65, and quarantined.
Taking to Twitter, an associate of the community Harjinder Singh Kukreja said, "Are you 65+ plus? In #Coronavirus isolation? Need support to get food? Sikhs in Slough, UK have come up with Mobile Food Support for the elderly & isolated & are Providing FREE HEALTHY & NUTRITIOUS essentials to help them! Pls share!"
Are you 65+ plus?
In #Coronavirus isolation?
Need support to get food?
Sikhs in Slough, UK have come up with Mobile Food Support for the elderly & isolated & are Providing FREE HEALTHY & NUTRITIOUS essentials to help them! Pls share! #COVIDー19mx #CoronavirusOutbreak #Sikh pic.twitter.com/l0kqpATzk9
— Harjinder Singh Kukreja (@SinghLions) March 17, 2020
Speaking to News18, Harjinder, a close associate with the MP from Slough said, "Sikhs have been at the forefront of philanthropic work throughout the world. The community ongoingly delves into social causes which make a mammoth difference." He further added that this particular initiative is run by the Sikh of Slough, "a vibrant group of people".
Given that youngsters are a low-risk group with regards to the COVID-19, this initiative is run by them at large.
The food is cooked and distributed by them throughout Slough, which has reported 12 confirmed cases.
The entire operation is being funded by the worshippers at the Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara in Slough.
The initiative has been hailed by netizens, who even praised the initiative taken by the Sikh communities across the world in times of severe crisis.
Sikhs are always leading the way in the midst of crisis. Thank you for your dedication and service!
— Hanna (@hanna_meiners) March 17, 2020
Fortunate enough to take a cultural anthropology class from a Prof. that focused his academic career on the Sikh culture.
Amazing people with a true warrior spirit encompassing every positive attribute of what Warrior means.
Every Singh I've known made me strive to be better
— John M Bennett (@JMB1122AZ) March 17, 2020
God bless you...
— Godwineo Knight #G_K (@jgodwin2k2) March 17, 2020
¡You're so helpful! I am so grateful for your patience and dedication.
— Florence (@flore_turcio) March 17, 2020
Sikhs are by far the most compassionate people i have ever seen.
— Banker (@Anki_Bhardwaj16) March 17, 2020
Chak dai phattai Sardar Ji...Keep up the good work 👍
— Shaz Mallick (@ShahzadMalik271) March 17, 2020
Nice gesture from Sikhs 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
— Bir Singh (@birsinghsawhney) March 17, 2020
According to reports, on Tuesday 14 more people were reported to have died after being diagnosed with coronavirus in England, bringing the United Kingdom's death toll at 71.