Thane traders oppose mandatory Covid-19 tests for shopkeepers, staff

THANE: The business fraternity from Thane and suburbs are upset after a recent municipal diktat mandating ‘compulsory’ swab tests for retail shopkeepers and their staff at designated private labs here.
Traders across Naupada and Uthalsar wards among others informed about lobbying by private lab representatives to lure them to get tested at their respective facilities. The swab tests cost anywhere between Rs 1,800-2800 each depending on the volume of tests conducted in each zone.
While some traders were informed verbally about the same, others claimed of getting notices with a corporation emblem printed on it in a bid to build the pressure.
“We have been approached by civic officials to get swab tests done while our staff will undergo antigen tests. We are already expected to pay taxes regularly despite no business over the last few months and taking these tests will further weaken us financially. The corporation could instead ensure only symptomatic ones undergo the tests,” said Mitesh Shah, president of Naupada Vyapari Mandal.
BJP corporator Narayan Pawar slammed the administration questioning the pressure tactics used by the private labs. “Is there any nexus between the labs and authorities and why are the antigen kits not being used despite it being nearly a month that they have been purchased?” questioned Pawar.
It may be recalled the administration had planned similar tests among Mumbra and Diva traders last week but met with stiff opposition.
Sandeep Malvi, deputy municipal commissioner at the TMC denied any compulsion and said they have kept options open for traders to get themselves tested wherever they wish to. “Traders and their staff are in close contact with customers and pose the risk of transmitting the virus faster so we suggested the tests for their own safety,” he said.
Shah suggested it was high time the administration focus on mitigation of the virus irrespective of test results. “Rather than wasting resources on getting tests done and establishing positive status that could prove misleading at times, the corporation can instead focus on preventive and remedial measures considering majority of residents have tested positive to it,” said Shah.