More on Covid-19

NEW DELHI: After banning all foreign and other non-essential travel and large gatherings as well as cancelling training courses and exercises, the armed forces are taking several other steps as part of the enhanced measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus The Army HQs on Friday decided 35% of its officers and 50% of its JCOs (junior commissioned officers) and other ranks will “work from home” adhering to personal quarantine for a week from March 23 to reduce office attendance, while all postings in the pipeline have also been deferred.This came after General M M Naravane reviewed the preparation of the 13-lakh Army, which has already set up quarantine facilities around the country for the general public on a war-footing.“The second group at Army HQs will proceed on home quarantine for a week on March 30. Intermixing of groups will be avoided. It shall be ensured personnel are available on telephone and electronic means at all times for the exigencies of work,” said an officer. In order to avoid crowding or bunching at entry and exit points, personnel attending office will also adhere to staggered timings.The Army has also postponed all conferences and seminars till April 15, while “temporary duty” of all ranks stands rescheduled/cancelled till that date. “The leave of personnel already on vacation will be extended till April 15 at the discretion of the competent authorities,” he said.Moreover, all service personnel, except those from the Army Medical Corps , who were attending courses will remain at their respective training institutions till at least April 15. All annual and periodic medical examinations have also been postponed till mid-April.