Mexico City's organ grinders struggle in pandemic

The non-profit civil organization Cadena delivered groceries for 280 organ grinders who roam the streets of Mexico City's Historical Center and have lost their source of income due to the restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Wearing masks, the organ grinders play melodies in their traditional uniforms as the volunteers delivered the packages with groceries for their families.

Maria Angelica Arellano has been working as organ grinder for 16 years. She rents the machine, which has eight songs, to play music at the Historical Center.

Arellano says their situation has been very difficult due to the pandemic, as they work as street entertainment and there's been almost no people on the streets in the past months.

Cadena is dedicated to assisting in emergencies and disasters around the world.

Mexico registered more than 101,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 11,000 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.