Darjeeling, 08th May: While the entire country is battling with the fatal coronavirus in its second wave, several governmental and non-governmental societies are stepping up to fight back the virus.
One such step surfaced from Darjeeling where an NGO, Edward Foundation, is converting the town’s fabled and one of the oldest restaurant-bakery Glenary’s into a COVID-19 isolation centre with oxygen support. The organization, which is run by the family of the proprietors of Glenary’s, is taking this unique initiative in collaboration with Darjeeling Initiative and D&DMA (Planters’ Nursing Home).
The isolation centre will be set up on the top floor restaurant section of Glenary’s. Considering that the move might affect business, the owner of Glenary’s Ajoy Edwards said that the decision was taken as it was time for every citizen to “fight this war” in their own way. Food and medicines will be provided to the patients free of cost, Edwards further maintained. The isolation centre will be completely sealed off from the bakery on the first floor. “The bakery will be operational and from the profits of the bakery, the centre will be run,” Edwards added.
Reportedly, the isolation centre will consist of 20-beds with oxygen support, however, the number will be increased later in view of demands. After the District Health officials will inspect the facility on Tuesday, the centre will most probably become operational from Wednesday.
Encouraging others to come forward to help, the organization has appealed for help in the way of cash, kind and service. “We need oxygen concentrators. They cost around Rs 65,000. Anyone willing to help can contact us at 8768025401, 8509126800,” added Edward.
