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)
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
- (xi) The leave sanctioning authorities are advised to sanction leave whenever any request is made for
self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.
- (xii) 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 24x7 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
