This story is from June 30, 2020

Odisha govt issues fresh set of preventive measures to contain spread of Covid-19 in workplaces

To reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection and to keep the workplaces (both government and private offices) out of infection, the state government on Tuesday issued preventive measures based on measures like social distancing, use of masks, practice of hand washing, respiratory etiquettes and self-monitoring of health.
Odisha govt issues fresh set of preventive measures to contain spread of Covid-19 in workplaces
Representative image
BHUBANESWAR: To reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection and to keep the workplaces (both government and private offices) out of infection, the state government on Tuesday issued preventive measures based on measures like social distancing, use of masks, practice of hand washing, respiratory etiquettes and self-monitoring of health.
“In case of outbreak of Covid-19 in workplaces, if it would be found that social distancing and health safety measures were not enforced properly, the heads of government/private offices will face legal action under the Disaster Management Act,” said chief secretary Asit Tripathy.

The fresh guidelines said physical distance of at least 6-feet will be followed at all times among the employees while using face covers and masks are mandatory.
Respiratory etiquette will be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing, sneezing with a tissue, handkerchief or flexed elbows. Practice of hand washing (for at least 40 to 60 seconds) to be followed strictly by the employees at the workplace, said the guidelines issued by Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra, additional chief secretary, health and family welfare department.
While employees will do self-monitoring of health and report any illness, the guidelines said any staff suffering from flu-like illness should not attend office and seek medical advice from 104 helpline.
“When one or few persons, who share a room or close office space is/are found to be suffering from symptoms suggestive of Covid-19, the office authorities will ensure isolation of the person/group of persons from others. Face cover or masks will be provided till that person is examined by a doctor. In such cases, the office authorities will inform the 104 helpline,” said Mohapatra.

If one or two cases reported from any workplace, the disinfection procedure will be limited to places/areas visited by the positive tested individual in the past 48 hours. “There is no need to close the entire office building or halt work in other areas of the office. In case of large outbreak, the entire office building will be closed for 48 hours and all the staffs would work from home till the building is adequately disinfected,” said Mohapatra.
Based on the guidelines of the health department, all government offices will perform official work with 50 per cent of the employee strength in the month of July. The decision has been taken by the state general administration (GA) department in view of the rise in infections in the state.
The GA department order said the departments are free to decide the manner of selection of employees, as to who would attend. Employees not attending office will remain indoors. Employees, who have been provided with virtual private network, will be allowed to work from home.
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA