Govt asks training institutes under it to curtail programmes, avoid calling guest faculty

The central government has asked all training institutes to curtail programmes and avoid calling guest faculties as part of measures to check the spread of novel coronavirus, according to a Personnel Ministry order.

In an order issued to all central training institutes, the ministry said training or teaching may be conducted, as far as possible, in a virtual or online mode.

"All training institutions may review the ongoing training programmes and take appropriate measures to defer/curtail them to the extent possible. It would not be advisable to undertake any new training programme for the time being," it said.

Entry of visitors to training institution may be restricted, the order said.

If absolutely necessary, such visitors may be admitted after proper screening, it said.

"Installation of thermal scanner at the entry points of the buildings may be taken up wherever feasible. Hand sanitizers should be mandatorily placed at the entry points and every person-faculty member/staff member/visitor entering the premises should compulsorily clean their hands before entering the premises," it said.

Availability of adequate hand sanitizers and running water or soap in the training institute should be ensured, the order said.

Adequate distance may be maintained between students in the physical classrooms, it said, adding that, all non-essential travel may be avoided.

"Outside visits and excursions, group activities/screening of movies etc. and physical training activities may be suspended with immediate effect," the ministry said.

It said, calling of guest faculty may be avoided.

"All gyms/recreation centres, creches, book clubs etc. inside the premises may be shut down immediately. A fully functional medical centre with the presence of qualified doctor(s) and nursing staff may be ensured with proper protocol for treating of staff/faculty/trainee with flu-like symptoms," the ministry said.

It said, everything prepared in the mess must be cooked properly and raw salad and uncut fruit avoided for the time being.

"Linen should be changed frequently. The trainees may be advised not to share the glass for drinking water and use only their respective water bottles for drinking water. Trainees may be advised not to use outside eateries as a preventive measure," the ministry said.

Common contact places including class rooms, hostels, mess, guest houses, vehicles/buses etc to be disinfected frequently, it said.

All faculty members and staff members may be advised to take care of their own health as well as of their friends and family and look out for symptoms such as respiratory problems, fever, discomfort etc, the order said.

In case anyone feels unwell and shows flu-like symptoms, they should inform the training coordinator/designated faculty immediately and report to the medical centre of the training institutes, it said.

"All staff & faculty at higher risks such as elderly employees, pregnant employees, employees with poor medical conditions and employees suffering from major chronic ailments may be advised to take proper care," the ministry advised.

Frequent hand washing with soap, water and alcohol-based hand rub, should be encouraged, it said.

"Covering of nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing, throwing of used tissues in close bins immediately after use," the order said.

It said, keeping a safe distance from persons during interaction, especially with those having flu-like symptoms, sneezing in the inner side of the one's elbow and not coughing into the palms of one's hand, regular check of temperature and respiratory systems, consultation with the doctor in the event of one's feeling unwell, wearing of mask and covering of mouth and nose while visiting a doctor and avoidance of social gatherings, must be strongly advised to every faculty member and staff member.

"Staff & faculty should also be advised not to spit in the public, travel unnecessarily, participate in the large gathering, spending time in the canteens unnecessarily, visit gyms, clubs and crowded places," the order said.