Centre issues 13 point COVID-19 guidelines for its offices, says no face-to-face meetings

Government of India has issued fresh guidelines for officials and staffers of the Central Government to combat the spread of coronavirus, after several officials in various departments ave tested positive for the infection.

The 13 point new guidelines states that only asymptomatic staff shall be allowed in the office and those with mild cough or fever need to stay at home. It further also directs officers and staff residing in containment zone not to come to office and work from home till containment zone is de-notified.

The government circular further states that not more than 20 officers and staff members should attend office in a day. It has asked the administrative departments to prepare duty chart accordingly.

Read the complete guidelines here:

1) Only asymptomatic staff shall be allowed. Anyone with mild cough or fever needs to stay at home.

2) Officers/Staff residing in containment zone shall not come to office and work from home till containment zone is de-notified.

3) Not more than 20 staff/officers shall be attending office in a day. Roster will be reworked accordingly. Remaining staff will continue to work from home.

4) Under Secretaries/Deputy Secretaries if sharing cabin, then they will come alternate days to enforce social distancing.

5) The Section shall not have more than two officials at a time, staggering office hours shall be followed to ensure not more than 20 staff in any given time in the office. As far as possible windows may be kept open to ensure proper ventilation in halls.

6) Face mask and face shield have to be worn at all times inside the office premises. Disciplinary action will be taken if it found that protocol for mask is not followed in the office.

7) Used Mask and gloves shall be discarded carefully in yellow color bio medical waste bin only, strict action will be taken against people violating this rule.

8) VCs may be attended front he respective rooms of the officers. VC in Board room may be avoided as far as possible. General section will provide necessary equipment to the officers so that they can join web-room from their respective computers.

9) Face to face meetings/discussions/interactions be avoided as far as possible. Officers/Staff will be use intercom/phone/VC for interactions.

10) Handwashing in every half an hour is a must to prevent spread of infection. Hand sanitizing dispensers shall be installed at prominent places in corridors.

11) Frequently touched places such as electric switches, door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, washroom fixtures etc shall be cleaned in every one hour with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite. Officers/Staff are also advised to clean their personal equipment like keyboards, mouse, phones, AC remotes etc by themselves by using any ethanol based disinfectant frequently.

12) Distance of 1 mtr shall be maintained while sitting or walking. Vistors' chairs in the cabins of the officers shall be placed accordingly keeping the norms of social distancing.

13) All officers are requested to follow these instructions without fail.

Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases in India stands at 2,66,598 and 7,466 deaths till Tuesday.