No special quarantine now for PGI staff on Covid duty

CHANDIGARH: Healthcare workers at high-risk Covid-19 treatment zones at the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) can now go home after duty instead of mandatorily quarantining for seven days in specially allotted accommodation.

They will have to report back for duty when required, hospital authorities have said. Duty hours were also changed with nurses expected to work for longer periods than previously scheduled.

Dr Jagat Ram, director PGIMER, said the decision was taken after consultations with other institutes following similar rules. Employees and some nurses are not too happy, saying home quarantining was not feasible as they were living on rent.

Dr Ram, however, said, “Service of private accommodation will be available to workers on demand and case per case basis as well. We are not denying accommodation for the employees who live in congested areas and have high-risk people back at home. Still, we have advised that those who will choose a home facility should follow all safety norms.”

The hospital’s nursing association has shot off a letter to the institute’s administration, it has been learnt.

CHANGE IN COVID-19 DUTIES

Nurses will work for 10 days at a stretch in Covid-19 zones with duties rotating between three shifts: Morning, evening and night. Earlier only seven days of Covid-19 duty was allowed.

Those completing duty can take five days off. So, all in all, they will be working for 21 days with nine days off, similar to their previous working schedule.

Doctors will be given just two days of leave after seven days of Covid-19 duty, which means they have to report back at work on the 10th day.