Over 300 contract sweepers of Bokaro General Hospital on Thursday expressed concern over their safety after a 75-year-old man died of Covid-19 at the hospital, becoming the state’s first victim of the novel coronavirus.

The agitated sweepers gathered outside the hospital in the morning to demand personal protective equipment.

“We have only been provided face masks. We urgently need gloves and gowns so that we can work without fear. Our safety is crucial because if one of us get infected, it can spread to doctors, nurses and patients,” sweeper Sanjay Kumar told The Telegraph.

He said the man who died of Covid-19 was admitted to the hospital as a general patient and several staff of the hospital, including sweepers, came in contact with him without any safety gear.

Kumar said they also wanted the government to provide monetary help to them similar to the women Jan Dhan account holders.

“We are risking our own as well as the lives of our family members while performing our duty. We get a monthly salary of Rs 10,500, which is not adequate given the kind of health risks we are facing. We need more financial as well as social security,” Kumar added.

Bokaro deputy commissioner Mukesh Kumar said they were taking all steps in accordance to the protocol.