DoPT Preventive measures to be taken to contain the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Latest DoPT Orders 2020

F. No. 11013/9/ 2014-Estt.A. III
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 16/03/2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The leave sanctioning authorities are advised to sanction leave whenever any request is made for self-quarantine as a precautionary measure

Subject: Preventive measures to be taken to contain the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – regarding.

In order to contain the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), some precautionary measures are required to be taken by all the employees and the Ministries / Departments. In this regard, it has been decided to issue the following advisory for the well-being of Government employees and in public interest.

All the Ministries / Departments are advised to take all necessary measures such as :-

• Install thermal scanners at the entry of Government buildings, as feasible. Mandatory placing of hand sanitizers at the entry of Government buildings. Those found having flu-like symptoms may be advised to take proper treatment / quarantine etc.
• Discourage, to the maximum extent, entry of visitors in the office complex. Routine issue of visitors/ temporary passes should be suspended with immediate effect. Only those visitors whom have proper permission of the officer who they want to meet, should be allowed after being properly screened.
• Meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing. To minimize or reschedule meetings involving large number of people unless necessary.
• Avoid non-essential official travel.
• Undertake essential correspondence on official email and avoid sending files and documents to other offices, to the extent possible.
• Facilitate delivery and receipt of dak at the entry point itself of the office building, as far as practicable.
• Close all gyms/recreation centres/ creches located in Government buildings.
• Ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitization of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces.
• Ensure regular supply of hand sanitisers, soap and running water in the washrooms.
• All officials may be advised to take care of their own health and look out for respiratory symptoms/fever and, if feeling unwell, should leave the workplace immediately after informing their reporting officers. They should observe home-quarantine as per the guidelines issued by MoH&FW, Government of India available at the following URL: Draft Guidelines for home quarantine
• The leave sanctioning authorities are advised to sanction leave whenever any request is made for self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.
• Advise all employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. The Ministries / Departments may take care not to expose such employees to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public.

An indicative list of Do’s and Don’ts is also annexed for wide dissemination.

End: As above

(Umesh Kumar Bhatia)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India

ANNEXURE

Do’s

• To maintain personal hygiene and physical distancing.
• To practice frequent hand washing. Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub. Wash hands even if they are visibly clean.
• To cover your nose and mouth with handkerchief / tissue while sneezing and coughing.
• To throw used tissues into closed bins immediately after use.
• To maintain a safe distance from persons during interaction, especially with those having flu-like symptoms.
• To sneeze in the inner side of your elbow and not to cough into the palms of your hands.
• To take their temperature regularly and check for respiratory symptoms.
To see a doctor if you feel unwell (fever, difficulty in breathing and coughing). While visiting doctor, wear a mask/ cloth to cover your mouth and nose.
• For any fever/ flu-like signs/ symptoms, please call State helpline number. or the 24×7 helpline number of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare at 011-23978046.

Don’ts

• Shake hands.
• Have a close contact with anyone, if you’re experiencing cough and fever.
• Touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Sneeze or cough into palms of your hands.
• Spit in Public.
• Travel unnecessarily, particularly to any affected region.
• Participate in large gatherings, including sitting in groups at canteens.
• Visit gyms, clubs and crowded places etc.
• Spread rumours or panic.

Source: DoPT