SC makes Covid-19 test mandatory to enter its premises

As a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19 infection, the Apex court has made Covid-19 test mandatory for everyone who enters its premises with symptoms of the disease.

New Delhi:In wake of rising cases of COVID 19 in the Supreme Court wherein almost 45% of Justice Surya Kant's staff and a sizeable number of other staff members were detected positive, the court has released some additional guidelines to be followed in its premises.

The Supreme Court has made a Covid-19 test mandatory for everyone who enters its premises with symptoms of the disease.

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The new guidelines issued by the court state that "all the entrants to the Supreme Court premises, i.e. the registry staff, staff of the coordinate agencies, advocates and their staff, etc., if showing any symptoms similar to those notified for Covid-19 infection shall subject themselves to Rapid/RT-PCR test."

All controlling officers will ensure that the staff in their control wears masks, maintains physical distancing and frequently sanitizes or wash hands and follow the prescribed COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, the circular issued by the apex court stated.

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It also stated that persons with notified symptoms like fever, cough, body ache, loss of taste and smell, diarrhea, etc. shall restrict themselves from coming to office/premises, isolate themselves immediately and seek medical advice.

The circular further added that the lift should not be used by more than three persons at a time and shall be used only for going upwards; for coming downstairs, stairs should be used.

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Social distancing and frequent use of sanitisers are also advised in the guidelines.

The top court has been functioning only in a virtual mode as Covid-19 cases surge both inside and outside courtrooms. According to sources, as of Saturday, over 40 members of court staff tested positive for Covid-19 disease. The court has more than 3,400 employees.

(with input from agencies)