A spokesperson of the state government said that wrong interpretation of the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in wake of COVID-19, is creating a state of confusion in the industrial sector and the common people due to rumours.
He said the MHA has clarified that there is no such clause in the revised guidelines that States may take legal action, including imprisonment of CEO, in case of COVID-19 positive employee is found in the factory. Similarly, there is no clause that the premises of the factory will be sealed for three months in such a situation. The Union Ministry has also clarified that there is no provision in the guidelines that in case of non-compliance of precautionary measures, the factory may be closed down for two days and may be allowed to restart after full compliance. He said that there is no basis for such misplaced apprehensions.
As per the guidelines, the workplaces and industrial and commercial establishments are required to follow the guidelines to ensure social distancing and follow standard health protocols. It is clarified that the consolidated revised guidelines issued on 15 April, 2020 do not curtail the exemptions provided earlier unless the exempted activity falls within a containment zone.  Therefore no separate fresh permissions are required from authorities from the industries already permitted to operate prior to 15th April, 2020 in areas falling outside containment zones.
