This story is from May 4, 2021

Two Raichur teachers who were on poll duty succumb to virus; 56 test positive

With two government schoolteachers who had been deputed on poll duty in Raichur district succumbing to Covid-19, panic has gripped members of the fraternity who had been assigned to election duty in the recently concluded Maski bypoll in the district. That 16 more teachers who tested positive have been admitted to hospitals has only heightened their fears.
Two Raichur teachers who were on poll duty succumb to virus; 56 test positive
Picture used for representational purpose only
RAICHUR: With two government schoolteachers who had been deputed on poll duty in Raichur district succumbing to Covid-19, panic has gripped members of the fraternity who had been assigned to election duty in the recently concluded Maski bypoll in the district. That 16 more teachers who tested positive have been admitted to hospitals has only heightened their fears.
In all, 56 teachers who were on poll duty have tested positive for the virus.
There have been reports of some of the teachers undergoing treatment at private hospitals being fleeced to buy Remdesivir vials in the black market.
Kattappa, 40, passed away on Friday at a private hospital in Raichur city. Secretary of Raichur District High Schoolteachers’ Association Vishwanath Reddy said Kattappa had no co-morbidities. “His death was a shock,” said Reddy, alleging that he had passed away owing to lack of sufficient oxygen. Another teacher at KEB School in Raichur city, who had also been on election duty, died after failing to respond to treatment.
A teacher pointed to the lack of safety measures in polling booths. Another teacher lashed out at the government for failing to ensure their safety. “The teachers had to cough up Rs 15,000 to buy a vial of Remdesivir. One was forced to purchase five vials in the black market. Teachers are risking their lives in the line of duty, and the education department is turning a blind eye to our plight,” she alleged.
President of Raichur District Primary Schoolteachers’ Association Chandrashekhar Reddy questioned the need to conduct elections when Covid-19 fatalities were mounting in the state. “Families of the teachers are facing the brunt now. No special beds have been assigned for us. Given the lack of oxygen and Remdesivir at hospitals, the fate of those currently undergoing treatment for Covid is uncertain. The government must arrange 100 beds in Raichur exclusively for government staffers working in the frontlines,” Reddy said.
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