Local families worried for loved ones in India as COVID-19 surges

“It’s an absolute tragedy in India right now. And it’s a worse nightmare due to COVID and I don’t know how many people I’m going to see in India again,” he said.

Ritesh comes from a big family, his parents, siblings, and aunt are all in India.

Ritesh’s sister was diagnosed with COVID. She remains in isolation and fortunately, her oxygen levels are improving.

“We were so scared and my mom and dad are at the age of 65 and 66 and I am here and my elder brother is in a different state and he cannot come because of the lockdown,” Ritesh added.

Along with that news, his aunt also tested positive. She is battling a fever of over 100 degrees.

“Because it’s a lockdown, there are no facilities. We tried to arrange a (hospital) bed for her but we are not able to find any beds over there,” he explained.

With the 12 hour time difference, Ritesh calls his family multiple times a day to check-in and is helping them financially.

But the tragic news doesn’t stop for the family.

Ritesh says their 38-year-old neighbour with two children was unable to get a hospital bed in time and he passed away.

Days later his neighbour’s mother tested positive and also died.

Back in Medicine Hat, the owner of Sammy’s Little India, Sammy Cheung, has family overseas.

They are safe so far, but she is going through a hard time.

Sammy’s mom, two brothers a niece, and nephews live together in one house. She also has two grandchildren.

Sammy says they live in a small city where it’s not as bad as New Delhi, but she is worried.

“I feel very helpless so I just call them 3 or 4 times a day to just hear their voice,” Sammy told Chat News.

Sammy and Ritesh want to remind the people of Medicine Hat and the region to continue to be careful and be safe, as COVID is very real.

“This is not a joke this is a very serious case people are dying out there,” she added.

by Chantal Wagner

Local families worried for loved ones in India as COVID-19 surges

Our Community