Mysore/Mysuru: Hundreds of outsourced workers serving at K.R. Hospital continue to work amidst Coronavirus scare. Over 70 security guards, 80 house-keeping staff (men and women), 50 sweepers (ayahs) and 60 ward boys are working round-the-clock at K.R. Hospital in three shifts while there are 80 house-keeping staff and 30 security guards at adjoining Cheluvamba Hospital, 80 house-keeping staff and 70 security guards at MMC&RI and its student hostels and 60 housekeeping staff and 15 security personnel at PKTB Sanatorium on KRS Road. 

All these workers are on contract, sent by outsourcing agencies. But the deadly Coronavirus scare has resulted in 30 percent of them abstaining from duty due to various reasons. 

While several workers are prevented by senior members at their own homes, some others are stopped from entering their villages and a few others due to non-availability of transport. 

The villagers defend their decision of disallowing K.R. Hospital workers claiming that with the Hospital treating COVID-19 patients earlier, the chances that they (workers) may be carrying the virus cannot be entirely ruled out. 

The absence of 30 percent of outsourced workers has become a cause of worry not only for the outsourcing agencies but to the Hospital as well as cleaning and maintenance works have taken a hit. Even though the K.R. Hospital has introduced pick-up and drop facility, there is no significant improvement in the attendance, according to Hospital authorities.