The Meghalaya government has decided to direct 50 pc of its employees to work from home and the rest 50 pc to attend office everyday by drafting a weekly roster duty.
The 50 pc of the employees, attending the office, will comprise Group B and Group C employees.
The government has also decided to impose restrictions on the movement of public transport and to close down all shops, markets, and business establishments with effect from midnight of March 20 to midnight of March 21 throughout the state.
A statement issued by Meghalaya Commissioner and Secretary (health) on Thursday night said this is with a view to enforce advisories and restrictions issued by the government for containment of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019), and to carry out intensive awareness programmes on preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus.
An order pertaining to the employees was issued by Meghalaya chief secretary, M S Rao who stated that the order will remain in force till April 3.
It said all administration heads and head of departments (HoDs) should ensure that 50 percent of Group B (Pay level 11 to 14) and Group C (Pay level 2 to 10) employees are required to attend office everyday and the remaining 50 percent staff should be instructed to work from home.
They are also advised to draft a weekly roster of duty for Group B and Group C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks.
The Government of Meghalaya has imposed restrictions in movement of public transport and to close all shops, markets and establishments w.e.f midnight of 20th March, 2020 to midnight of 21st March, 2020 to enforce the advisories and restrictions for containment of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/0Iw4FYesQh
— CMO Meghalaya (@CMO_Meghalaya) March 19, 2020
It further said the working hours for all employees, who attend office on a particular day, should be staggered.
It is suggested that three groups of employees may be formed and asked to attend office as per the timings fixed.
The officials, who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up, should be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times.
They should attend office, if called for any exigency of work, the order said.
The instructions, however, shall not apply to offices and employees engaged in essential/emergency services and health & family welfare department which is directly engaged in taking measures to control the spread of COVID-19 apart from departments like home (police), political, finance, planning and information and public relations.