Published 21:41 IST, April 23rd 2020
Fact Check: Can a CEO of a company face action if its worker tests positive for COVID-19?
There is a claim that top officials of a company can be arrested if an employee working in their factory test positive for COVID-19. Here is a fact check
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CLAIM: States may take legal action, including imprisonment of CEO, in case a COVID-19 employee is found in the factory. In such a situation, the premises of the factory would be sealed for three months. In case of non-compliance of precautionary measures, the factory may be closed down for two days and can be allowed to restart after full compliance.
RATING: False
ORIGIN:
- A report by a news organization dated February 22 spread the rumour that the Centre's lockdown rules held the company directors and management accountable for any employee testing positive for COVID-19.
- The report mentioned the views of many entrepreneurs on this contention.
- Subsequently, prominent journalists such as Minhaz Merchant supported this claim by relying on the aforesaid article.
Republic World did a fact check
- There is no specific clause in the revised consolidated guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 15 which validates the claims.
- Moreover, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an exhaustive clarification in this regard.
- In a letter written to all the Chief Secretaries, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla stated that there was no basis for such misplaced apprehensions.
- He mentioned that industrial establishments are required to follow the National Directives for COVID-19 management and the Standard Operating Procedure for social distancing and hygiene measures at the workplace.
- Moreover, he specified that an industrial establishment operating prior to the lockdown period does not need fresh statutory approval for re-starting operations once it has been included as a permitted activity during the lockdown. It needs to comply with the SOP on social distancing.
Updated 21:56 IST, April 23rd 2020