Paul
Goble
Staunton, April 1 – With the same
spontaneity and discipline they have
shown in organizing protests, Ingush civil society, in response to the
coronavirus, have organized to purchase masks, gowns and other medical needs
for the republic’s hospitals and food and medicine for the poor or those who
cannot leave their homes even to shop.
Now that the first confirmed case of
a coronavirus infection in Ingushetia has been confirmed and the republic has instituted
a stay-at-home regime to prevent the spread of infection, the Tesham Foundation
has collected money and organized the purchase of gowns and protective masks
for hospital workers (kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/347816/).
The republic authorities say they do
not face any shortages as yet but acknowledge that if the infection spreads all
help will be welcomes. Some doctors and hospitals are already turning to the
Foundation for help. So far, it has collected more than 500,000 rubles (7,000
US dollars) and used contacts with doctors and firms within the republic and
beyond to acquire these goods.
So far, they have purchased and
delivered 1,000 masks and are using social media both to continue to collect
money and to find new sources. Many of the traditional suppliers of such goods
are already sold out and say they won’t be able to supply Ingushetia with
anything for weeks if not months.
At the same time, this foundation and
others are collecting money to purchase food and medicines for the indigent and
to deliver these things of first necessity to the elderly and ill who are not
able to go to stores on their own. This
effort is taking on a life of its own, and groups in neighbors have emerged to
take care of their own. Muslim leaders are supporting this effort.
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