MINISTRY OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY

 

GETTING OUR WORK PLACES READY TO FIGHT THE COVID-19

The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) is appealing to all its employees including Departments and Parastatals to adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2001 and Section 29 of the Disaster Management Act 2006 as the magnitude and severity of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) has been declared a National Emergency in the Kingdom of Eswatini. For general work place health standards and with specific reference to the COVID-19, refer to information available from the World Health Organisation (WHO) website to guide workplaces readiness to prevent the spread of this virus.

The Ministry wishes to appeal to Departments and Parastatals who have not prepared for the pandemic to prepare themselves in advance for possibility of potential outbreak conditions.

WHO and Public Health authorities around the world are taking action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. All sections of our society must play a role if we are to stop the spread of the Virus.

You are specifically requested to implement the following precautionary measures:

  • Instill preventative measures from work-related hazards and increasing ventilation in the work environment for employees.
  • Minimize contact among workers, clients and customers by replacing face-to-face meetings with virtual communication e.g. Skype, WhatsApp video call, conference calls etc.
  • Minimize the handling of cash by using speed points, mobile money or email platforms etc. and proving appropriate safety measures where cash handling cannot be avoided.
  • Minimize international travel and advise Directors, employees and contractors to consult the Ministry of Health as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before going on business trips.
  • Provide workers with up-to-date information and training on risk factors and training workers who need to use protective clothing. Training material should be easy to understand and available in the appropriate language for all workers.
  • Provide resources and work environment that promotes personal hygiene to ensure workplaces are clean and hygienic. Surfaces e.g. desks, tables, doors and objects (e.g. telephones, keyboards) need to be wiped with disinfected regularly.
  • Promote regular and through hand-washing by employees, contractors and customers by placing “wash stops” on entry and exit points.
  • Encourage workers to report suspicious fever at the earliest instance for immediate screening and appropriate action.
  • Set up a committee to monitor application of agreed precautionary protocols and report to Senior Management at agreed short intervals.

In case of suspected exposure contact the nearest Health Center by calling 977.

Employees may contact the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology at 2405 4000 and ask for the Wellness Coordinator/member            

Royal Science & Technology Park (RSTP)                              2518 6386

Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM)              2406 7000

Eswatini Post & Telecommunications (EPTC)                        2405 2000

Eswatini Television Authority (ESTVA)                                   2411 9600

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