Social Distancing Advisory Issued To IT Companies In Twin Cities

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has issued a detailed advisory to the IT Companies based in the twin cities regarding measures to be taken to in view of the situation arising out of Coronavirus.

According to an order issued Tuesday, in view of the likelihood of outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic inside the jurisdiction of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Police Commissionerate, it is necessary to enforce social distancing measures by preventing people from congregating in large numbers.

In consultation with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, the commissionerate will enforce social distancing measures strictly. Under Section 35 of the Odisha Urban Police Act,  The Commissionerate Police has order the following measures for the IT Companies in Bhubaneswar:

• 1. They will not allow any employee, who has travelled abroad in the last 14 days, to come to their premises and force them to work from home for a period of 14 days. If he/she cannot work from home he/she may be asked to avail leave as per the policies of the Company.
• 2. If any employee is being visited by family members, who have travelled abroad, then the employee should self declare and stay in home quarantine for a period of 14 days.
• 3. Any employee having fever, cough, etc. should not be allowed to enter premises. If possible, temperature can be taken using a non-contact thermometer at the entry point.
• 4. The Companies are advised to restrict all travels within or outside the country unless absolutely necessary and conduct such meetings using suitable IT platform.

The above orders will come into effect from 17.03.2020. Any IT Company failing to comply with the above orders shall be liable for prosecution u/s 100 Odisha Urban Police (OUP) Act. Besides, they will also be liable for offences under other sections of law including Section 269,270,304 IPC etc.

The primary liability will be that of the head of the establishment. All Police Officers above the rank of ASI may visit any IT Company and initiate appropriate legal action in case violations come to their notice.