New Delhi, Jun 4 (IANS): Taking cognizance of several of its staff having tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the Union Health Ministry has issued an office memorandum to its employees directing them to strictly adhere to the social distancing norms and take necessary precautions in order to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The memorandum, issued on Wednesday, read: "The number of COVID-19 positive cases is going up steadily and many officers of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have tested COVID-19 positive. It has been noted that at times, social distancing is not being maintained on the office premises."

The Ministry advised that no meeting or conference should be done physically and meetings may be organised through video conferences only.

It also said that the National Informatics Centre (NIC) may ensure to issue VPN to all officers and officials (ASO and above)' so that work from home may be facilitated in case of any emergency.

The memorandum added that the entire premises of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and DGHS Nirman Bhawan including the washrooms, elevators and staircases will be closed for a thorough sanitation on June 6 and 7.