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New Delhi: On reviewing the advisory issued by the Government of India and in view of the opinion of public health experts including medical professionals and also considering the safety and welfare of all the visitors, litigants, lawyers, court staff, security, maintenance and support staff, student inters and media professionals, Central Information Commission has decided that the functioning of the Commission from 16 Mar 2020 to 31 Mar 2020 shall be restricted as follows:

a) Hearing will be limited to urgent matters through video conferencing audio conferencing

b) Parties need not come to Central Information Commission unless it is essential. They may upload their submissions on the respective website URL link: http://descic.nic.in/online link-paper-compliance/add Hearing will be limited to urgent matters through video conferencing audio conferencing

c) Personal appearance of parties or their representatives is dispensed with

d) All visitors as well as the staff shall be tested at the existing check point at entry gate of reception.

e) Gatherings shall be prohibited in the Central Information Commission.

Central Information Commission building and premises shall be sanitized by using appropriate formulations. All surfaces (eg desk and tables) and objects (eg telephone and keyboards) shall be wiped with disinfectant regularly. Door handles / Lift nobs/ railings shall be sanitized at least four times in a day.

Central Information Commission building and premises shall be sanitized by using appropriate formulations. All surfaces (eg desk and tables) and objects (eg telephone, keyboards) shall be wiped with disinfectant regularly. Door handles / Lift nob/ railings shall be sanitized at least four times in a day.

a) Staff Operating at various places should be trained on hand hygiene and sanitation

b) Any staff reporting symptoms of fever, cough, cold and respiratory distress should be granted sick leave and advised for medical care.

c) No crowding should be allowed at reception and security staff should be vigilant and alert.

d) Informative, educative, communicative material approved by the government shall be made available in soft copies which can be printed and displayed in the Commission premises to create awareness.

e) Maintain social distancing

f) Home based exercises approved yoga modules be accessed through smart phones and televisions to keep fit and healthy.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has issued an advisory on 5 Mar 2020 cautioning against mass gathering and the World Health Organisation has also declared Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) as global pandemic advising against mass congregation.