Hold meetings through video conferencing: Cab secy to officials

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Amid coronavirus outbreak in India, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Wednesday held meeting with all the secretaries of the Union Government to discuss the precautionary measures to stop its spread and stressed on holding meetings through video conferencing, sources said.

Gauba emphasised on least gathering in the government offices and the officials have been asked to maintain a distance of one meter, sources said.

According to the sources, the entry of visitors in the government offices has been stopped and only such people are being allowed who have proper appointment with the officer concerned. Thermal screening of the officials and visitors is being carried out at the entry gate.

The Joint Secretary Administration of the ministry has been advised to ask the housekeeping staff to clean and sanitise the washrooms, common areas, door handles, lift buttons, electric switches, stairs and railings at regular intervals.

The shops and the stores in the ministry building have also been closed.

On Tuesday, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued a memorandum listing preventive measures to the ministries to contain the spread of coronavirus.

All non-essential visits to the Parliament House Estate have been curtailed, and thermal scanning at all points of entry have also been initiated.

Additionally, all measures have been taken to ensure complete cleanliness in and around Parliament House, including adequate arrangements of hand sanitizers, napkins and soap.