The Mumbai Police have decided to stock and supply masks and eucalyptus oil to its personnel as a preventive measure against swine flu.

While confiming the move, commissioner D Sivanandan said, “At this stage, there is enough awareness from various agencies. Our officers have also been briefing our staff in all departments, including field officers, to take adequate precautions. It does not take too much to use a handkerchief, though we will procure masks and eucalyptus oil to help them cope better.”

The commissioner had on Tuesday sent a circular on the epidemic to all police stations and various departments. The circular, though, had some generic views like, “Use a mask if needed. If you are in the habit of smoking and drinking, avoid them till some time.”

Officials at the commissionerate said the biggest task for the force will begin on Thursday, when it will be deployed on the streets on bandobast duty. Interesting, Tuesday’s circular had “Avoid crowded areas,” and “If you must go, then use a mask,” as the first pointer.

Senior officials will be in a better position to chart out necessary instructions in a few days, based on the feedback from field officers. Sivanandan, though, is clear as he adds, “our primary job is to ensure security and we hope that in the coming days, we are able to do that. For a force trained in urban warfare, it should not take much to learn and use a handkerchief till the time respiratory supplies arrive. Across police stations, the word has started spreading. We would, in fact, appeal to the public to ensure that they do not crowd in places where not required and while one must respect traditional festivity, they should also know that a deadly virus is out there and the onus is on every individual to safeguard themselves.”

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