Mangaluru: The state government has been working round the clock to ensure that frontline warriors have access to Covid vaccinations. Owing to the second wave’s increased demand for vaccinations, a few frontline staff are yet to receive their shots. And now, few of the staff from Fire Station in Kadri here are tested positive for Covid.
Speaking to News Karnataka, Mohammed Zulfikar Nawaz, District Fire Officer said that, “The Fire and Emergency Service, like every other department, is regarded as Covid’s frontline warriors. Many staff got their first dose of vaccine through the government portal at first. As far as I know, due to a vaccine shortage, everyone who was deemed as frontline warrior are removed from the portal. We’ve approached both DC and DHO to get our roles as frontline staff reconsidered.”
He also mentioned that the authorities have promised to look into this matter. “A few of us even took a second dose. But the vaccination drive is getting delayed. However, through messages and calls, we are now receiving the second dose one by one,” said Mohammed.
He went on to say that all the departments have Covid patients. “Considering the nature of work, we too are exposed to Covid. From our department, about five to six people tested positive for Covid. They’re all under isolation in their own homes as per suggestions by the doctors. There are no serious symptoms that have been reported.”
MOUs are in place with all the hospitals and thus the staff can avail free treatments at any government hospitals. He affirmed that the government has been helping them and that they have had no problems so far.
