RESPOND TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC SECOND WAVE

The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a crisis in community healthcare services. The partial lockdown which resulted in the closure of shops and small businesses, a reduction in commuter traffic and complete closure of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues has led to lay-offsamong the unorganized sectors.A large proportion of the population that BUDS frontline health workers regularly interact with in course of their work has been adversely affected by the measures to contain and control the pandemic. BUDS has received urgent requests for hospital beds, oxygen, medicines and further, has been inundated with requests for food and other essential supplies, from areas around Sarai Kale Khan and Mori Gate (adjacent to New Delhi Rail waystation and one of the most crowded areas in Delhi) where Drop In Centres (DICs) are located. The BUDS team has determined the following issues require urgent attention: