TLI Staff
New Delhi: At the forefront to stem the spread of deadly Coronavirus through inbound air travellers, workers of state-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) has asked the top boss to ensure that local airport managers comply with government directions to contain infections.
In a letter to AAI Chairman Arvind Singh, Indian Airports Kamgar Union (IAKU) has urged him to issue necessary directions to all the establishments of the airport agency for strict compliance of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) order that requires installing thermal scanners at the entry point of building, mandatory placing of hand sanitizers and discourage entry of visitors among a slew of other measures to contain the spread of deadly virus.
The Union has received feedback from its members that the regional executive directors (REDs) and airport directors (APDs) are not adhering to the directions in letter and spirit.
“Sir, since the DoPT has suggested various measures to be taken to contain spreading of Novel Coronavirus such as installation of thermal scanner at the entry point of building, mandatory placing of hand sanitizers, discourage to the maximum extent entry of visitors in the office complex etc, it is requested to issue necessary instructions to all the establishments of AAI for strict compliance of the DoPT OM dated March 17, 2020 as it has been reported that the REDs and APDs of respective region/ airports are not adhering to the specific instructions recommended by Government of India (GoI)/DoPT and MoH&FW (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare),” the union wrote to AAI chairman.
Given that cases of Coronavirus infections have come through foreign countries such as China, Italy and Dubai with no evidence of community infections so far, the airport staff have to be extra cautious while screening the arriving passengers. In order to carry out this crucial function, they have to first protect themselves from getting infected, they need to be provided with all necessary equipments such as protective gear, masks and sanitizers. Inadequate provisions for the same could put these staff into major health risks.
Raising alarm bell, the total number of novel coronavirus cases in India has risen to 169 which includes 25 foreign nationals. The health Ministry has said that so far there is no evidence of community spread and hence it is essential that concerned authorities and staff at all points of entry in the country remain vigilant.
To contain the spread of the virus, the DoPT has issued an advisory and also a set of Dos and Don’ts. The department has advised all the government staff and also those working in sub-ordinate offices to avoid non-essential travel, closure of crèches, gyms and recreation centres in office buildings.