India coronavirus dispatch: How is rural India managing the pandemic?

From empathy for those in isolation, to the challenges of managing a pandemic in rural India, and why pregnant women need to be monitored - read these and more in today's India coronavirus dispatch.

Empathy towards people in isolation, the challenges of managing a pandemic in rural India, and why pregnant women need to be monitored — here is a roundup of articles from Indian news publications on how the country is dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Expert Speak

Those in isolation need support to deal with stress, guilt, fear, and stigma: With an increasing number of people going into isolation to battle the contagion, it is vital to ensure psycho-social intervention for those in distress, says Sukesh G, a psychiatrist at the district hospital in Kozhencherry in south-eastern Kerala’s Pathanamthitta. The district had the highest number of Covid-19 cases in Kerala until March 18, 2020 and had over 7,200 people in home isolation (as on March 31, 2020). Read his interview here.

Citizens Under Lockdown

Life and times of a foreigner during a lockdown: The ‘guest is god’, it is famously said. Except when there’s a coronavirus pandemic and niceties go out the window. If you don’t look Indian, you are likely to be viewed with suspicion as a conduit of contamination. Read more about the experiences of a foreigner in India during the pandemic.

Long Reads

As coronavirus reaches rural India, three cases reflect the steep challenge ahead: From detecting and isolating to treating cases, capacities are weak in rural India. Rural healthcare facilities are ‘under-staffed’ and ‘under-equipped’ even in the best of times with some districts lacking even a basic secondary-care hospital. How are rural health systems coping with the coronavirus outbreak?

Why private labs in India are struggling: While involving the private labs has been a welcome step, the roadblocks are far from over. From a shortage of supply kits to the lockdown obstructing movement, private labs are struggling to keep up with the testing requests. Read more about what can be done to alleviate this situation.