Who Really Are Frontline Workers?

NEWS COMMENTARY ON DEFINITION OF FRONTLINE WORKERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

One of the terminologies that has defiled operational definition since the outbreak of the Coronavirus otherwise known as COVID-19 is the phrase “frontline workers”. In the military the front-line troops are those who are closest to the enemy. If this military definition is to be operationalised in the present situation, then the classification should be easy to make.

Government through the Ministry of Health till date is not wholly clear on the definition of who a frontline worker is in the battle against the pandemic. Yes, some health personnel like nurses and doctors who work directly on the COVID-19 patients in isolation centres have been named the foremost frontliners. When the term gained traction or popularity among the working population, many workers mostly in the health sector have in one way or the other gave reasons why they should also be christened frontliners. This is because of the benefit to derive if their duties are classified as such.

Government in announcing its COVID-19 stimulus packages doled out some tax waivers, insurance policy, allowances and other benefits to nurses, doctors and some other essential health care professionals. This however sparked agitations among other health care workers who believe they equally deserve to benefit from the freebies.

As it is often said what is good for the goose is equal good for the gander. One of such worker group in the health sector and other sensitive companies who must be considered in the scheme of things are the drivers who work day and night to transport infected persons, PPE, nurses, doctors and other auxiliary workers to and from work. They deserve commendation and reward. Some of these drivers in most cases are not well remunerated. Let us put smiles on their faces to motivate them.

Going forward it is important for government to heed to the call for the promulgation of a legislation that will properly define frontline workers in times of disasters and pestilence. This is indeed a piece of legislation that government must consider. Such a law when put in place will help address the challenges with the adhoc definition of frontliners in situations such as the present pandemic. As we try to define the frontliners in the COVID-19 battle and duly reward them let each and every worker contribute his or her quota irrespective of frontline status to the development of the nation particularly in this present fight to end the spread of the virus.

BY DOMINIC HLORDZI A JOURNALIST.