London shop worker falls prey to coronavirus

A south London shop worker has become the latest to die of coronavirus.

Kumar, known only by his last name, ran the FreshGo store in Gipsy Hill for many years.

The shopkeeper, in his 40s, was admitted to hospital last week where he died of coronavirus.

Another worker at the store is believed to be in hospital after contracting the virus, the Daily Mail reported.

Local residents told the Mail that the tiny store has not been observing social distancing guidelines, but implemented the measures only this week.

“That is so sad. They’re all such good guys. I did wonder why they suddenly implemented social distancing in the shop only yesterday,” the paper quoted a resident as saying.

The local community has raised over £5,000 through a JustGiving page for the family of Kumar.

“Kumar worked tirelessly for years at Freshgo and was liked by all the customers. He was always helpful, cheerful and considerate at any time of the day or night,” Siobhann Carolan, who started the crowdfunding, said.

“The funds raised will go directly to his family to help them through this truly difficult time.”

Her initial target was hit within three hours and the donations kept mounting over the last few days to hit a total of £5,001 on Tuesday.

“This is truly saddening. Kumar was very kind, helpful and with a big smile. He spoke fluent Italian, lived there for a while and I will miss him and we laughed about his time in Italy,” wrote Alberto, one of the over 250 donors.

“You have worked so hard for so long… Time to rest now you amazing gentleman always with a smile,” said Shirley Pollak.

Watford retailer succumbs to coronavirus

Kumar’s death has drawn focus on workers across different frontlines in the coronavirus pandemic, as they work on ensuring essential supply chains are maintained.

Last week, Watford retailer Himanshu Patel, of Kays Newsagent in St Albans Road, has died after contracting coronavirus.

Krishnasamy Chiyamalan, Kent newsagent who passed away on 4 April, is believed to be one of the first retailers in the UK to die from the deadly virus.