By Nadiah Zamlus
KAJANG, April 13 — Walking through the sweltering heat fully suited in protective gear while searching for the homes of residents to be screened for Covid-19 are some of the challenges faced by healthcare workers carrying out the mass testing exercise in Selangor.
SelangorKini had yesterday followed the Covid-19 mass testing operation team, under the coordination of the state government’s company Selcare, which had begun their operation at 8am.
While the residents had given their full cooperation through the big-scale screening exercise, the medical personnel had bathed in sweat and some had almost fainted due to the stifling heat.
However, the healthcare workers were unfazed by the circumstances and had continued on with their tasks while sharing words of encouragement with one another.
Medical officer Dr Nurfitri Putrianti said the hardship faced was a once in a lifetime experience.
“It is very exhausting and I get headaches too but I am happy to be able to help the people and the government. What is more gratifying is when the people readily cooperate with us because they are aware of the importance of the Covid-19 screening,” she said.
Another medical personnel Dr Reenisha Kaur said she was satisfied with the participation of the residents during the home-to-home visits.
“I got to meet so many kind-hearted people who want to fight this virus together. The move by the state government to conduct the mass screening would be able to identify new cases sooner and we would be able to isolate them immediately,” she said.
Meanwhile, volunteer Jesica Sendai Lipa said she would cherish her experience to be part of the exercise having to face the hot weather while dressed in the personal protective equipment (PPE).
“At first, I could not wait to put on the PPE and be part of the frontliners but it was a complete mind game. You need to be (mentally) strong and remind yourself that this is the sacrifice you are making for the nation,” she said.
On April 8, Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari had announced the Covid-19 big-scale testing in the red zones in the state, which is the first in the country to involve house-to-house activity.
A total of 5,000 individuals are aimed to undergo the testing.
