Vijayawada: Autos may not be safe as drivers have no masks

Vijayawada: Auto-rikshaw drivers are working in hazardous condition in and around the city without using the masks when the entire nation is on high alert due to the spreading of coronavirus in many parts of the country. More than 20,000 auto-drivers are eking out livelihood by driving autos in the city. More than 90 per cent of auto-rikshaw drivers in the city are not using masks to protect themselves from novel coronavirus. One of the prime reasons for not using masks is due to their scarcity as the city gets most of them from Mumbai.

The existing stocks were exhausted three weeks back as most people buyed them since the coronavirus news broke out last month. Some people have purchased more than required quantity for their personal use as well to their family members and friends. Consequently, within two or three weeks, the total quantity of masks' stocks ran out in the market. New stocks are not coming from Mumbai in recent days. So, the auto-rikshaw drivers are not able to buy the masks. Now, they are using hand kerchief to protect themselves from the coronavirus. But it is not safe, said K Raju an auto driver. He says money is not the main problem to buy the mask, but the stocks are not available in the city. Like Raju, many auto-drivers are risking their health and lives by not using the masks. The virus also pose threat to lives of passengers who sit close to the driver in the seat. The most dangerous thing is the auto-drivers exchange money with customers.

There is scope of spreading corona with currency notes and coins. If it proves true, there will be huge risk to thousands of auto passengers as well as drivers because both can be victims of corona. Sadly, the auto-drivers unions are also not taking initiative to educate the auto-rikshaw drivers on the dreaded coronavirus and motivating them to use masks.