COVID-19: Union Health Ministry asks its employees to take precautions at work

Union Health Ministry on Sunday advised all its employees to take precautionary measures at work from April 20 onwards in order to contain spread of COVID-19.

ministry has directed that all its employees should cover ir faces with a reusable mask while going to work and follow guidelines of state governments concerned on movement in containment zones.

In an office memorandum, Health Ministry said, "All employees coming to office must use reusable face cover. Those employees who are residing in tified containment zones are required to follow guidelines of concerned state government regarding movement in se containment zones and join office only when y are allowed to do so."

memorandum was issued in reference to Ministry of Home Affairs consolidated revised guidelines on measures to be taken by ministries/state governments and departments for containment of COVID-19.

It has directed officials from all departments under health ministry, to ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitisation of workplace particularly of frequently touched surfaces.

government has also asked employees to maintain personal hygiene and physical distancing besides following strict disinfection protocols as per guidelines.

"Practise frequent handwashing with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

"Seating arrangements in rooms may be made to ensure adequate distance between officials in rooms. Garings, especially in canteens, must be avoided. Garing of five or more persons at any place in office should be avoided," it said.

Health Ministry has also directed that all meetings be held through video conferencing only.

It said all employees who are at higher risk, that is, older employees, pregnant employees and those who have underlying medical conditions should take extra precautions.

"se employees should t be exposed to any frontline work requiring direct contact with public," it said.