Australians stuck in India's coronavirus lockdown fear for their safety

SBS News looks at how Australians are coping with India's coronavirus shutdown.

Some of the Australians stranded in India.

Some of the Australians stranded in India. Source: Supplied

Australians stuck in India's coronavirus lockdown are pleading for help from the Australian government.

This week, the nation of 1.3 billion , coupled with a ban on international flights.

It has left many Australians without a way to get home and some now fear for their safety.
Kasper Simonsen on Sunday.
Kasper Simonsen on Sunday. Source: Supplied
Kasper Simonsen went to India on a work trip but flight after flight was either cancelled or full so he is stranded in Puducherry.

"The situation here is getting worse, we are not allowed to leave the hotel grounds at all. The police will essentially bash anyone that leaves with canes and batons," Mr Simonsen told SBS News.

"As foreigners, we are especially targeted, as they basically look at us as the disease-spreaders ... We don't know how long we'll have safe accommodation for," he said.

"We are desperately seeking any help to get us out of here ... Who knows what's going to happen."
Navin Chandra Chittatoor sends a video to SBS News.
Navin Chandhra Chittatoor sends a video to SBS News. Source: Supplied
While Navin Chandhra Chittatoor told SBS News he is stuck in Chennai.

"The government has put a quarantine label on my house, saying that I have come from overseas, which makes other people more hostile to us," he said.

"They think the Aussie travellers are spreading the disease."

He said he tried to contact the Australian Consulate in Chennai, but did not get any help.

"I wish the Australian government would step up."
The "quarantine label".
The "quarantine label". Source: Supplied
Matthew James Chinery, an Australian stranded in Goa, he had a simple message for Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"Get us the hell out of here," he said.

Mr Chinery, who arrived in India on holiday earlier this month, said he developed a cough this week so he was kicked out of his hostel.
Matt is stuck in an Indian hospital.
Matt is stuck in an Indian hospital. Source: Suppplied
He went to a hospital hoping "to get a quick [COVID-19] test" but has been forced to stay there for three days without any results.

"I haven't been able to leave … I could do a runner but no place would accept me without a COVID-free certificate."

He said conditions in one ward were "heinous".

"Please, get us home, we just want to go home ... I don't mind if I'm stuck in a quarantine centre for a month, as long as I'm on Australian soil," he said.
While Adelaide woman Stella Yfantidis, who is also in Goa, said there was much uncertainty around the lockdown.

"We are often uninformed or informed at the very last moment when the shops are open and if we can pick up any supplies," she told SBS News.

"I hope to hear some good news very soon because I don't think many of us can outlast this ... The government could suddenly impose longer restrictions on us."
Stella Yfantidis is in Goa.
Stella Yfantidis is in Goa. Source: Supplied
The Australian government has facilitated flights to evacuate Australians from several countries during the pandemic, but not India.

In a video, High Commissioner-designate Barry O'Farrell said "I want to reassure you that supporting Australians is the top priority of the High Commission here in New Delhi and our other posts".

"Our team is working around the clock to provide assistance."
This week, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said "we understand many Australians overseas face great difficulty getting home".

"We have agreed to consider, on a case-by-case basis, supporting commercial airlines to operate non-scheduled services to less central locations for Australians," she said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters on Sunday, "right now we have many Australians who are overseas, and I am concerned about their welfare".

Australians must stay at least 1.5 metres away from other people. Indoors, there must be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at 


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4 min read
Published 29 March 2020 6:06pm
Updated 29 March 2020 6:32pm
By Rachel Cary, Nick Baker
Source: SBS News


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