Tunisian Female Workers Isolate Themselves to Make Anti-virus Gears

Arab World

March 27th, 6:31am

Asharq Al-Awsat

The company sells masks to a public body at long-established prices, and won't have the funds to continue the costly operation beyond a month. AFP

Dozens of women in Tunisia have isolated themselves in a factory for almost a month to make protective gears against coronavirus. To avoid the threats of the new pandemic and abiding by the imposed measures, journalists are not allowed to visit the Consomed factory where 110 women and 40 men are spending their whole time to help their country in its fight against COVID-19. The workers include a doctor, cooks and the director who are working, eating and sleeping in the firm. The Tunisian authorities have recorded 173 cases of the novel coronavirus since the start of March, including five deaths. The 5,000-square-meter (53,800-square-foot) facility, located in a largely rural area south of the capital Tunis, is the country's main production site for masks, caps, sterile suits and other protective items. Speaking over the phone with AFP, the factory's director said: "We are the only ones producing protective items for Tunisian hospitals." "I chose to isolate (the company) as a precaution because if the virus gets into the factory, it will be disastrous," added Hamza Alouini who stressed that they are overwhelmed with demand and struggling to supply hospitals. Tunisian media has reported that several health facilities have had to stop services or quarantine staff after they came into contact with infected patients unprotected. "We help each other," employee Khaoula told AFP via video call. "When somebody is feeling down, we all try to cheer them up," she added. The company published a video on social media showing workers with suitcases entering the factory on March 20 after having their temperatures checked. Other workers had decided not to go into isolation due to family responsibilities or other commitments. "My husband and my daughter are the first to support me. We are all motivated," Khaoula said. The working day starts with the national anthem, she added, saying it "makes us feel like we are soldiers" in the service of healthcare workers. They work eight hours a day and many opt to do paid overtime, according to Alouini. Women and men sleep in separate dormitories and there is a space to play football, cards and relax, he said. But, he added, the factory will only be able to carry on like this for a month. Plus, isolation could start to weigh on staff morale, Alouini said. "We won't be able to do more."

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2201946/tunisian-female-workers-isolate-themselves-make-anti-virus-gears