I met a Mask Checker

In support of creating the much-needed awareness and the serious need for wearing masks correctly in public places, last week the local administration appointed a bunch of mask checkers. I stepped out with trepidation and spoke to one of them yesterday.

“Congratulations on your appointment as a mask checker. What exactly is your job?” I asked.

“As you know our honourable minister and commissioner have inaugurated the mask-up campaign. It is my job to ensure everyone complies with the order,” he said with nonchalance.

“Do you like your job?” I asked him.

“Well, though this is new, a job is a job. The pay is good, the work timings are ok. It keeps me fit chasing the offenders and it keeps my eyesight sharp,” he said, seemingly happy at the prospect.

“So do you catch enough offenders?” I asked.

“Well, it depends. In the initial days, the count was good. Then it dropped a bit. Now again, I am catching a lot. The morning and evening shifts are better than the day shift. It also depends on where you are posted,” he explained.

“So do you work on the road, or do you also go in buses, trains, and other public places?” I enquired.

“It depends. I am currently posted on the road. Maybe someday I will get restaurants, markets, and malls where the catch rate is better. Even temples are ok. But you know good postings require influence.”

“Yes, true. I wish you get a posting of your choice. So how do you catch an offender?” I enquired.

“There are many ways. Most of the times I catch them in the act red-handed without anything on their face. I have to be quick, before they notice me, else they put a handkerchief quickly.”

“I am sure it is not easy!”

“Of course it is not. There are people who pull up the masks they have on their neck just in time before I collect the evidence.”

“Yes, people are smart, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but they don’t know that mask checkers are smarter. We have to go through rigorous tests before we are selected.”

“Oh, is it? How did you get this job?”

“Well, I was a seatbelt and helmet checker before this. That experience was useful.”

“Yes, of course. Catching those offenders in one glance and chasing them must have helped. Do you have to give them proof after you unmask them?”

“Well, walking without a mask is not exactly similar to driving without a seatbelt or riding without a helmet, though it is more dangerous. But we sometimes click a selfie with them, with their mask in their hands, as proof.”

“Oh, that’s smart. And do you fine them? I heard some mask checkers don’t give a receipt?”

“Of course I do,” he said, showing me a receipt. “Some checkers pocket the fine. There are all kinds of people in the force, you know. But mask offenders should insist on a receipt,” he said.

“Ok, great, you are doing great work. I am sure you will get promoted soon.”

“Well, that’s why I applied. I had become an expert in detecting seat belt and helmet offenders. I had built a reputation with a hit rate of over 90%. So, when the new department opened, I instantly saw that this was for me. Growth is always in new things.”

“Yes, of course, I am sure you will become a mask inspector soon.”

“There are talks of having a new department for all antivirus offences. Maybe I will.”

“Oh, so you will have a specialised department for lockdowns, restrictions and other virus related offences?”

“Yes, the minister has already approved it, I hear. This is a long-term investment in governance, given the situation.”

“Yeah, it doesn’t look like it is going away in a hurry.”

“Yes, and moreover, masks and sanitizers and staying away from crowds is good for health anyway, irrespective of the virus. We want the citizens to adopt it, like seatbelts and helmets.”

“Yes, of course,” I nodded with hesitation, looking elsewhere.

There was silence for a few seconds. The mask checker had answered all my questions well. I asked him one last question.

“But tell me Sir, why do you think people don’t wear masks?” I asked.

He had a smile on his face. I was not sure if it was due to my question or because he saw an offender from the corner of his eye. Just before he adjusted his mask and ran after the offender, he asked me, “Why do you think people didn’t wear seat belts and helmets?”

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