MUSCAT: Even though the Supreme Committee has permitted 50 percent of government staff to return to offices from May 31, the Ministry of Civil Service has issued strict guidelines like thermal scanning to be made mandatory.

In a circular issued by Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, a set of guidelines has been issued.

Following are the guidelines that needs to be followed:

1. Providing temperature scanning devices at all entrances for checking the temperatures of employees and visitors.
2. Employees should clean and disinfect their hands regularly and avoid shaking hands with others.
3. Providing protective equipment (face masks and gloves) for anyone entering the ministry.
4. Maintaining good ventilation including keeping the doors open.
5. Using personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks, and disinfectants.
6. Abiding by social distancing guidelines by keeping a suitable distance between employees.
7. Office-to-office movement of employees should be restricted and the employees should not share stationery.
8. Avoiding gatherings and reducing meetings.
9. Employees’ gatherings including official meetings should be limited as far as possible and replaced by video conferencing. Otherwise, meetings can be held in open spaces while maintaining social distancing guidelines.