The Health Department has cautioned government offices against the delta variant of COVID-19 and has recommended online /video conferencing as preferred mode for meetings and e-office in all the departments.
“The delta variant of COVID-I9 is more dominant in the State, with the potential to spread rapidly, especially in closed settings such as indoor meetings,” Principal Secretary of health, Sampath Kumar in an order issued today said.
He said keeping in mind the need to hold meetings as an inevitable part of dispensation of duties by the government offices, it is imperative that precautionary measures should be followed by all individuals/participants attending such meetings.
The Health Department has also recommended all participants in the meetings to wear a properly fitted mask, preferably an N95 or a 3-ply mask, surgical mask, covering nose, mouth and chin.
“It has been observed that people tend to remove masks while speaking. The chance for the spread of the virus is extremely high while speaking, sneezing or coughing. Hence, removal of masks while speaking should be avoided,” the department said.
According to the set protocols, while sharing a dais for a programme the speaker speaking on the microphone should wear a mask to avoid infections and refreshments during meetings are to be avoided. “If refreshments are served, it is to be ensured that it is done before or after a programme, keeping in the mind the Covid protocols. Buffet arrangement should be preferred for serving/having food in meetings whereby adherence to COVID protocols is easier,” the department.
Attendees are also urged to bring their own water bottles.
