The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India is currently 200+, a rise of nearly 6X over the last week. Currently, at 52 confirmed cases, Maharashtra is the worst-hit state with one casualty last evening. The true extent of the outbreak in India is likely a lot worse with under-reported numbers due to under-testing.

Community transmission is already happening and we will learn about those cases only if we test more. The pandemic, which has infected more than 200,000+ people globally and killed at least 6,610 according to the WHO, has a pattern of surging after an initial slower phase -- one that India is currently experiencing.

‘Social distancing’ will be key in the days and weeks to come. The term simply refers to avoiding close contact with other individuals in order to avoid catching the virus and passing it on. While social distancing is currently the most important safety measure in controlling the COVID-19 outbreak, it remains a privilege for a large portion of India’s working population. A majority of our population is helplessly dependent on daily wages and overcrowded public transportation.
 
“How can one think of handwashing when one doesn’t have running water?”; “How can one wear a mask and sanitize when the supply has significantly reduced and/or the price unaffordable?”

We represent the Navi Mumbai Hub, which is a part of the Global Shapers Community (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu3C023rgTg). The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum. We would like to urgently reach out to our community and help the fight against COVID-19. We are collaborating with Uber to reach out to its drivers, Robinhood Army, and the Rotary club to further increase beneficiary reach to low-income communities and slum dwellers, and are also in talks with the Government of Maharashtra to reach out to B.E.S.T and auto-rickshaw drivers.

We plan to distribute prevention kits which will contain the following:

• Pack of 3 - 5 face masks (INR 15 per mask)
• Hand sanitizer with 62% alcohol content (INR 30 per bottle)
• Ayurvedic Vitamin C Immunity booster tablets (INR 108 per bottle)
• Guidance note on COVID-19 facts and essential precautionary measures

A priority needs for this project to come through is funding. A contribution from you will give us the jumpstart we need to save our community from this pandemic.