The Union health ministry may have been emphasizing physical distancing and other preventive measures for the country at large amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but it seems that it is having a tough time enforcing the measures for its own employees.
After a spate of cases where several officers of the health ministry have tested positive for COVID-19, the ministry has issued detailed guidelines for its employees asking them to wear masks, not to loiter or crowd in corridors, and maintain at least “one meter distance” from each other while walking.
“It has been noticed that at times social distancing is not being maintained in office premises,” the notification reads. The health ministry would remain shut on June 6 and June 7 for sanitisation, but the emergency COVID-19 team would be attending office.
The health ministry has also advised its employees not to hold physical meetings―only video meetings will be allowed. It has strictly prohibited a gathering of more than five persons and asked officers to ensure staggered timings. Chairs must be placed in a manner that social distancing is maintained―placed in a zig zag pattern so that no two persons are sitting right across each other. Employees have also been asked to work from home in case of emergency.
Sanitisation of common areas is being conducted thrice a day; those waiting for lifts have been asked to keep a distance of six feet; and group lunches have to be strictly avoided.
“Spitting is strictly prohibited. If found spitting, strict action will be taken as per rules,” the notification reads. Movement of physical receipt/file has also been discouraged so as to avoid spreading infection through papers.
In the last couple of days, several government officials have tested positive for COVID-19, including Union Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Dr N.R. Battu, joint secretary and legislative counsel, ministry of law and justice, Shastri Bhawan.
