'Pick One, Stay Safe': Young cinematographer and mother distribute free masks in Delhi

As India is witnessing a steep rise in coronavirus figures, the situation in national capital Delhi has turned serious with a huge rise in infections, overwhelming its health system.

However, a young cinematographer, along with his mother, is ensuring that the poor in the capital city get some protection against the deadly virus.

Sourav Das and his mother Laxmi have so far distributed more than 2,000 masks, all stitched by the latter to the needy for free.

(Sourav Das installs a free mask dispenser | Photo Credit: PTI )

"These are reusable cotton masks. Every day, around 25-40 masks are made and put into boxes at five locations at Chittaranjan Park," Sourav said, reported PTI.

Sourav himself has designed the boxes in a manner that ensures contactless access. His uncle is providing cotton cloth for the masks, which are sewn by Laxmi during her free time.

People living in the nearby area have welcomed the initiative, which is called "Pick One, Stay Safe", and some shopkeepers are also sending their customers to pick up maks from these boxes.

"Since masks are a must these days, I ask customers who forget their masks to take one from the box," said Naveen Chandrasheel, who runs a salon in the area.

Meanwhile, Delhi reported 2,224 new coronavirus cases and 56 deaths, late on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 41,182 and fatalities to 1,327.

This is the highest single-day surge in the capital city and came on the day when Union Home Minister Amit Shah after holding a meet with CM Arvind Kejriwal said that the Centre will step in to increase testing and beds for the treatment of patients.