NE BUSINESS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MARCH 19
The Central government on Thursday advised companies to implement ‘Work from Home’ policy for their staff as part of encouraging “social distancing” to curb the spreading of coronavirus infections.
In an advisory, Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas also said the ministry is examining relaxations under the companies law that could be implemented in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Since companies/ LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) are major employers, especially in urban areas, their full participation and cooperation is most essential to fully realise the objective of social distancing as a means to contain the spread, morbidity and mortality due to the disease, he said in the advisory.
They have been strongly advised to put in place an immediate plan to implement the ‘Work from Home’ policy as a temporary measure till March 31.
“All companies/LLPs are advised to implement the ‘Work from Home’ policy in their headquarters and field offices to the maximum extent possible, including by conduct of meetings through video conference or other electronic/ telephonic/ computerised means,” he said.
Further, the ministry would come out with a web form for companies/ LLPs to confirm their readiness to deal with the coronavirus threat.
The corporate affairs ministry is implementing the Companies Act as well as the LLP Act.
Taco Bell India, KFC India ensure hygiene
A Taco Bell India spokesperson said, “The health and safety of our employees and consumers are of utmost priority. Hence, we have taken additional measures, above and beyond our existing hygiene best practices like increasing the frequency of handwashing and sanitizing. We have increased the frequency of sanitization of our stores, with surfaces like tables, chairs, doors, and door handles, being wiped down and cleaned thoroughly. Our kitchen staff use gloves at all times and food preparation stations are cleaned and disinfected every hour. We are committed to continue delivering on our promise of ‘Trust in Every Bite’ to our consumers, whether they dine at their nearest Taco Bell restaurant, or choose to take-away or order-in, as per their convenience. It is a rapidly evolving situation and we will monitor it closely and react in the ways which safeguard all stakeholders.”
A KFC India spokesperson said, “With impeccable global standards, reputed suppliers and transparent operations that allow consumers access to our kitchens, KFC is a brand that consumers have always trusted. To ensure the health & safety of our consumers as well as team members in the current situation, we have rapidly put in place stringent operational protocols. These include sanitizing of all restaurant areas at regular intervals through the day and frequent sanitizing of tables, counters, doors, and door handles every 30 minutes. With offices and institutions across the country declaring work from home, we also encourage consumers to reach us through alternate channels, including takeaway and ordering in – as per their convenience. Our delivery teams wash and sanitize their hands, alongside sanitizing delivery bags, after delivering each order. We are also launching ‘Zero Contact Delivery’ service, which will ensure that our trained delivery member will deliver food at the consumer’s doorstep, without any contact with the consumer for prepaid orders. The riders will follow a strict protocol of wearing masks and hand gloves at all times during the delivery process”.
