‘Sanitation Workers, Mortuary Staff Too Need Protective Gear'

Expert says aprons, gloves, boots and five-layer masks must be provided

- R. Sujatha

The government’s proposal to provide protective gear to sanitation workers has brought into focus their vulnerability, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Doctors say they need as much protection as healthcare workers.

On Saturday, the Municipal Administration Minister had indicated that those who go on door-to-door visits would also be provided protective equipment.

A public health expert said protective gear should be supplied to those on the field and others doing field-related work, such as keeping the city clean or collecting data during house surveys. If they are not well protected, they might get infected or pass it on.

“The city has around 40,000 sanitation workers of which the Corporation employs around 30,000,” said P. Kuganantham, former city health officer and currently COVID-19 task force member.