New Rules for Corporates and Offices Reopening After Lockdown, Heavy Penalty for Violations – Details!

A fresh set of guidelines have been released by the Home Ministry and Personnel Ministry, considering the national directives for COVID-19 management. Along with various new directives, spitting in and near workplaces are now categorised as a punishable offence.

As various private sectors are beginning to re-open with minimum strength, a new set of precautionary guidelines have been listed. The employers and employees are mandated to adhere by them strictly in order to combat the pandemic. "Spitting in public and workplaces shall be punishable with fine, as may be prescribed in accordance with its laws, rules and regulations by the state/union territory local authority," said the national directives issued by the Home Ministry and shared by the Personnel Ministry.

It also included the following:

1. Wearing a face mask is compulsory in workplaces

2. Work from home must be followed as much as possible

3. Thermal Scanning, hand washes, and sanitizers must be made available at workplaces

4. Workplaces must be sanitized frequently

5. Workers must monitor their health frequently, and those with flu like symptoms must be granted permission to work from home and also seek medical attention

6. Employees who reside at containment zones should be allowed to work from home

7. A one meter distance should be maintained at all times

Employers have also received certain guidelines with regards to workers falling sick. Employers must instantly isolate sick workers in the office and should also report to the helpline. A public health authority will decide if disinfecting or contact tracing is necessary after inspection. Further, workers with mild symptoms must be quarantined at home.