Masking up our frontline workers
A reader has sent this photo raising a pointed question: “Why don’t the workers engaged in solid waste clearance wear a mask? Are they not frontline workers? Have they been vaccinated?”
Well, for all we know they are officially recognised as frontline workers. Whether they are vaccinated not is besides the point. The critical question to be asked is why are the municipal workers not wearing a mask? While civic authorities could take a call on that, it is curious that none of the social service organisations have been heard of donating masks to the frontline workers. Of late, there has been a social awakening about the need for supplementing government efforts towards mitigating sufferings of citizens owing to COVID crisis. Newspapers and local cable TV channels are replete with stories of how various sections of the cosmopolitan Shillong are trying to rise to the occasion. We hear about donation of oxygen concentrators, PPE kits, setting up of Corona Care Centres, distribution of foodstuff and what have you. All of these are welcome initiatives. But how about the poor mask? After all, masks are relatively inexpensive and in this pandemic it is sine qua non for all and sundry. And those who are economically marginalised and cannot avoid being in public space, need to be masked up all the time. Maybe, they can hardly spend on buying masks or with market under lockdown cannot procure some. This is a perfect setting for any voluntary group to step in.
Punctured problems
The long spell of the total lockdown imposed on May 5 is now entering the fourth week. Throughout this time, the limelight so far has been on shops selling essential items — whether they should be opened or closed; when and for how long should they be opened and so on. And it is a pertinent subject to discuss; however, what remains completely ignored is the fact that people have been unable to access automobile repair shops, accessories and spare parts stores etc.
From taking your scooter or motorcycle out to get grocery from a nearby market to travelling from one place to another in your car, we have always relied on them.
Sadly, however, the lockdown has been hard on these machines. Be it purchasing engine oil, going for regular servicing or simple repair job, all of those are now inaccessible. Even people have now started to feel their need.
A car owner said that his vehicle has been lying in the garage for days now only because of a slight problem in the motor which could’ve been fixed if only he found a workshop for repairs open somewhere. “A simple tire puncture can be a problem for you now if you don’t know what to do,” he said.
He added: “At least one repair shop within a small radius should be allowed to open. That could solve a lot of problems for us”.
Best jab ever
A reader who received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this past week shared his experience with the SJ team terming it as the “best jab of his life”.
The spirited youth, who managed to get his slot after two failed attempts earlier, faced only one problem – how to reach the vaccination centre. Luckily a friend came to his rescue at the first call with his two-wheeler.
On reaching the centre, he noticed a moderately long but disciplined queue outside the door. Around 30 minutes later, he was sitting before a healthcare worker, who politely noted down his mobile number, verified his ID card and confirmed the registration code. It was smooth progress.
The biggest surprise for him was during the actual administration of the vaccine. Two deep breaths later, it was done. There was no severe pricking and pain usually associated with an injection. The sister-nurse was a pro. She quickly handed him two paracetamol tablets and explained when to use them.
The youth was asked to wait for 30 minutes. As he grabbed a chair, he panned his eyes across the room and noticed a group of college-going girls (presumably) chatting among themselves. He noticed that they had pulled the plastic chairs dangerously close to each other. How reckless, he thought. Soon his name was called out and he was told that he could leave. It was done. He exited the vaccination centre triumphantly.