No snacks, 6-ft distance at meetings with CM

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 19

The government today issued an elaborate Covid protocol for Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to be observed during meetings, public functions, and travel, including by helicopter.

Though the Chief Minister has already contracted Covid and recovered, the protocol will ensure that he is kept safe and protected. “As the Chief Minister is responsible for providing state-level leadership and decision making with respect to all matters concerning governance, it is extremely important that he is shielded from Covid risk so as to ensure smooth functioning of the government,” the order says.

Guidelines amid new normal

• The exchange of documents and files should be done mostly via the digital medium to minimise the chances of physical contact.
• The number of visitors to see the Chief Minister must be kept at the minimum and those who do come must undergo proper screening and maintain a distance of two metres.

It has been clearly spelt out in the order that besides maintaining six-feet distance in meetings, preferably to be held in open and well-ventilated places, all speakers must wear masks throughout, even while speaking. It has also been stressed that the serving of snacks must be avoided during meetings.

It has been specified that the exchange of documents and files should be done mostly via the digital medium to minimise the chances of physical contact.

It has also been pointed out that the number of visitors to see the Chief Minister must be kept at the minimum and those who do come must undergo proper screening and maintain a distance of two metres. Anybody having any symptoms will not be allowed to meet the Chief Minister.

It has been stated that not more than 10 persons, including the Deputy Commissioner, and the SP, should welcome the Chief Minister at the helipad. No bouquets will be allowed except by one person. It has been specified that to avoid overcrowding, the attendees must be seated before the arrival of the Chief Minister and should continue to do so till he leaves. Only single seater sofas will be allowed on the dais so as to ensure social distancing.

During helicopter travel, those travelling with the Chief Minister will have to undergo thermal screening and those having fever will not be allowed on board.

A protocol has also been specified for the Chief Minister’s security, drivers and personal staff. A three-tier system with rotation in duties has been suggested. The duty should be for a period of 14 days during which they must not socialise, use a canteen or common places.

The protocol also specifies dedicated vehicles, drivers and security staff for the Chief Minister, besides total disinfection of vehicles, both from inside and outside. The government and the Chief Minister in particular has come in for sharp criticism from Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Mukesh Agnihotri and state Congress president Kuldeep Rathore for allowing big gatherings at his functions, giving a complete go by to social distancing norms and resulting in a spike in Covid cases.