TEACHERS ON SURVEY DUTY DEMAND BETTER FACILITIES

THANE: Teachers carrying out a Covid-19 survey in Thane city have alleged that no social distancing is maintained in most of the congested areas and slums, putting them at risk of infection. They have demanded accommodation in quarantine facilities so as to not risk spreading the infection to their families.

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has roped in around 400 civic school teachers and around 200 private school teachers to conduct a health survey to track down people who could have been infected with the virus.

“We cover around 70 houses a day and have to work for eight hours daily. It is not only physically tiring, but we also have the mental stress of its impact on our health. Moreover, we do not have any quarantine facility to stay at. We return home every day knowing that our families are also at risk. When we visit densely-populated slum areas, there is no chance to maintain social distance,” said a teacher, on condition of anonymity.

“Some alternatives — such as an open area where we take information from each family — in slum areas will also be beneficial,” said another teacher.

TMC claimed that even if the slums are congested, teachers are provided safety gear. Sandeep Malvi, deputy municipal commissioner, said, “We have provided protective gears such as face shields, masks, gloves and sanitisers to all those who are conducting health surveys. Those who are above 55 years of age are also allowed to work in the office.”