Govt issues SOP to prevent spread of COVID-19 in offices, other establishments

In a notification issued here, Principal Secretary in-charge Health Sampath Kumar said guidelines are issued for the guidance of officers and staff of the state government and all other establishments in the state in taking preventive and responsible measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in office settings.

The notification said any officer and staff tested COVID-19 positive or residing in the containment zone must inform the controlling officers. Such staff are not to attend the office till recovery. Such staff can choose to work from home based on the necessity and their health condition.

It also added that older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions are advised to take extra precautions.

All officers, staff and visitors to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks. No coughing or sneezing without the masks are to be practiced as it is one of the fastest way to spread the virus.

Kumar said the state has been putting in the best efforts to ramp up vaccination considering the surge in the cases.

He said of the genome-sequencing samples taken in the state, more than 90% cases detected are of delta variants (variants of concern) which should in itself be reason for caution and extra precaution by everyone to safeguard themselves and their loved ones.

According to him, with the anticipated third wave of the pandemic, the welfare of the people should be considered of prime importance.

Kumar said it is the responsibility of each individual to ensure that adequate care is exercised as per the health advisories which are validated by thorough research and scientific validation.

Stating that the restrictions imposed on the public has been in the interest of their welfare, he said however, it is also inevitable that return to normalcy and the gradual easing of the lockdown measures are being considered in the interest of the livelihood of the people and the economy in general.

“Given this background, it is of utmost importance that the individual or persons from each household who are venturing outside to work to earn their livelihoods be made to understand the importance of getting themselves vaccinated and maintain Covid protocols,” he said.

The notification also advised all the state government employees and those working in various establishments to get themselves vaccinated at the earliest and they are expected to lead by example so as to effectively contain the spread of COVID-19.

“This measure is also to help in the reduction of widespread infection amongst co-workers and their clients /reduce the severity of cases even if there is a case of vaccine breach, which is of minimal percentage as per data,” it said

It further stated that with the easing of restriction measures and slow return to normalcy, the number of people working will be as according to the already existing spaces despite the need to maintain maximum distance possible, considering space constraints in almost all offices both private/government.

Even after vaccination, the cardinal principles of COVID protocols (wearing of mask; maintaining social distance and hand hygiene) are to be followed diligently till achievement of ‘herd immunity for COVID-19 by vaccinating the entire eligible population of the State.

It said the vaccination status is to be informed to the Supervisory/Controlling Officer and those who have not been vaccinated may also be advised to get themselves tested for COVID- 19 at regular intervals as a measure of safety.

By Our Reporter