Blind people fear relaxation of lockdown, wonder impact of social distancing on their lives

Visually impaired Amina, who relies heavily on her sense of touch, wonders what kind of 'new life' awaits her when the lockdown imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic relaxes.

For Amina, it is a double whammy as not only touching any surface will put her at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus but also the new norm of social distancing would make the outside world more wary towards helping her and other blind people.

"Our activities outside our homes see huge dependence on others and mostly strangers whether it is while crossing roads or buying groceries at a supermarket. Secondly, I cannot touch any person or surface in fear of contracting the disease and wearing gloves will weaken my sense of touch," Amina, who works at a blind school, said.

Scientists say apart from person to person contact, coronavirus can also be contracted by touching a surface that has contaminated droplets on it.

The World Health Organisation says that coronavirus has the ability to remain active on