New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian has offered her sympathies to the Australian-Indian community and Indian diaspora that have been affected by the current surge of COVID-19 cases in India.
“I understand that many members of the community may have family members and relatives who have been affected by the virus, and thoughts and prayers are with them,” said premier Berejiklian.
I am deeply concerned and saddened by the health and emergency causing devastation across India. I stand in solidarity with you all during this difficult time.
Gladys Berejiklian, Premier of New South Wales
India has lost over 200,000 lives to COVID-19 so far. Over 50,000 people died in (recent weeks) the past month as the country is in the grip of a deadly second wave of coronavirus.
Many Australian-Indians have also lost their loved ones in recent weeks. They are not able to travel to India due to travel restrictions by the Federal government.
In her letter, Premier Berejiklian said the Australian-Indian community and Indian diaspora in NSW have contributed to keeping COVID-19 under control and supporting vulnerable members of our community in the state.
The Australian government has sent a support package of medical supplies and protective equipment for India, which includes 509 ventilators, 1 million surgical masks, 500,000 P2 and N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves, and 20,000 face shields.
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