PANAJI
Having set up a Covid isolation centre in an old Portuguese house, the St Michael’s Parish in Orlim-Salcete has now set up a disaster management team to cater to the needs of Covid patients in the village.
“As we sensed the possible lockdown and a sharp rise in Covid cases, we immediately decided to form a disaster management team. Randomly, I called some people and introduced to them my idea of having a team. They fully supported the initiative,” explained Orlim Parish Priest Fr Roger (Raju) Godinho.
“After setting up the Covid isolation centre, we worked on all the modalities that are required to attend to Covid patients in the village. Secondly, we stocked some provisions for future distribution to the needy, in case the lockdown continues,” said Fr Godinho.
“Our team will also reach out to families of Covid patients who are sealed, by providing them food and other essential supplies.”
The initiative evoked widespread appreciation and support from people in the village.
“Many came forward to offer their support to the parish disaster management team, especially through financial contribution and provisions,” said Fr Godinho.
Assistance also came in from unexpected quarters.
“We had a desire for a vehicle to transport Covid patients to the hospital. We had an adoration service and a short while later, I got a call saying that an Omni car was at our disposal. Two volunteers even came forward to be the drivers. We now have a car ready for any emergency,” said Fr Godinho.
Besides transportation service, the parish disaster management team also has a fog machine to sanitise the homes of the recovered patients.
“We will not fall short of anything since the people are with us. We also made announcements in the village, appealing to people not to unnecessarily move out of their homes,” added the parish priest.
The Orlim Parish had recently decided to convert an old Portuguese house in the village as a Covid isolation centre for patients seeking self-isolation. The house can accommodate 25 Covid patients and facilities would be provided to them during self-isolation.
