All government officials have been told not to use their car air conditioners while travelling to work in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the instruction included in a fresh set of SOPs issued by the state health department on Thursday.

All deputy commissioners have also been asked to ensure the presence of a minimum workforce at their official residences.

Notably, over 2,500 police personnel and roughly over 1,500 government employees have so far tested positive for the coronavirus in the last month. On Wednesday, eight forest department officials tested positive in Simdega after they took part in a birthday bash hosted by one of them at his residence earlier this week.

As per Thursday’s SOP, all officials were directed to keep a minimum workforce at their office/official residence. “There have been instances when officials/security posted at the office and official residences have tested positive for Covid-19. This led to the spread of the virus among family members of the official. Hence, it is now mandated to review the requirement of workforce/helpers/assistants at office/official residences,” read the order signed by state health secretary Nitin Kulkarni.

The SOPs also stated that those deputed permanently official residences stay in the barracks. “However, keeping social distancing norms (six feet) in mind, it is possible that barracks get overcrowded. Hence, it is advised to cut down on manpower to ensure social distancing within the barracks round-the-clock,” the order noted, adding that all visitors to government offices or at official residences must be registered.

“Most importantly, to curb the spread of the virus, avoid using air conditioners in vehicles during official movement and keep the windows open,” the SOP read.