The villagers of Nongprut in West Khasi Hills, are facing trying circumstances after 28 of their own tested positive for Covid-19.
The infected include an accredited social health activist (ASHA), and members of a family that own the only real shop in the village.
Speaking to Highland Post, the ASHA, Phelisita Nongsiej, said that she has been forced to live on half rations because she does not have enough foodstuffs at home nor does she have anyone to deliver food to her while under home quarantine.
The health worker tested positive on May 4. She lives in her home in Nongprut with three children. Her eldest child is working in Maweit and is unable to come home. The only supplies she has received have been those provided by members of the ASHA union a few days back.
“We have only three rooms and one toilet, which makes it impossible to isolate myself from my three children. I cannot say if my children have contracted the virus even though they tested negative on May 4,” Phelisita said. “The four of us are surviving strictly on rice, potatoes and lentils as we cannot go anywhere since May 4.”
The Sordar of the village, B Nongsiej, said that the virus’ entry to the village was probably through a student who was sitting for exams in Mawthengkut. Through further testing it was later found out that the student’s entire family had contracted the disease as well.
“The student’s family also run the only shop in Nongprut, which has over 60 households, and this might be the reason that many contracted the disease in the village,” Nongsiej said, adding that all 28 are under strict home quarantine. This one shop has also had to close, leaving the villagers in a bind.
The number of people who are ill means that the Dorbar Shnong cannot possibly cater to all of their needs and the affected individuals are depending on family for support.
Phelisita, meanwhile, said that no assistance has come forth from the local MDC or MLA. She also said that the Block Development Officer made it clear that no assistance will be provided by the government.
However, the Sordar said that help has been sought for from Mawshynrut block to assist the affected families. “We hope that the government does not turn a blind eye to this village,” he added.
