Kozhikode: In a testimony to the Kerala model of physical distancing but social unity, in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic, a homeless man showing sharp social distancing awareness towards a policemen who offered food and water, is winning over the internet.
The incident happened in Perambra, in Kozhikode Rural Police jurisdiction limits. The CCTV visual shows the police personnel providing food for a homeless man living on the streets here and how carefully he receives it.
The visual sets an example for the COVID-19 precautions in the state by maintaining physical distancing, while also ensuring that we all are socially united.
During their usual lockdown patrol on 9th April morning, Perambra Sub Inspector P K Rouf, policemen Sreejith and Basheer, spotted a shabbily dressed homeless youth living on the streets, lying down near a shop. The State's care and caution in dealing with COVID can be seen as the policemen walk up to that person to give him a food packet and a bottle of water they had reserved in their vehicle.
The destitute man who was lying down when the police approached him, on seeing the cops walking towards him, jumps up and shouts out, “Don’t come any closer.” He then draws a circle on the pavement.
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He then gestures to the policemen to leave the food packet in that circle and move back. The CCTV visuals from a nearby shop also show how the man covers his face with his shirt as the cops go closer to leave the food packet where he indicated.
The level of awareness in this homeless man living on the streets and the care shown by the policemen in providing him with food and water is a typical exemplar on how Kerala handles the virus outbreak.
The video initially posted on Twitter has become a huge hit and received tremendous response. It has been shared on official twitter handles by prominent personalities, including Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin.
Sharing the video on his twitter handle Ashwin wrote, “Fabulous.. Just fabulous”. Hundreds of comments followed, appreciating Kerala for the tremendous efforts and care, and discussing the level of awareness this homeless man has, being in Kerala.