COVID-19 infected government employees to get seven days leave

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to grant seven days leave to the government employees in case of coronavirus infection.

Issuing a circular to all government authorities on January 20, the Ministry of General Affairs and General Administration asked all subordinate offices to grant the COVID-19 infected employees a seven days leave.

According to the Ministry, the January 14 Cabinet meeting had made the decision to grant seven-day leave to all COVID-19 infected employees.

Earlier, employees had been on leave for 14 days after being infected with the COVID-19 during first and second wave of coronavirus.

The government decided to reduce the leave days keeping in view the quick recovery rate these days.

However, in case of patients hospitalized due to infection, additional three days after the date of discharge from hospital can be granted additionally.

The Ministry stated that those who are in contact tracing will be given leave for a maximum of five days until they carry out the COVID-19 test. Such patients have to get consent from the concerned supervisor.

Such leave is not deducted from the employee’s accumulated or other leaves. The government has instructed the officials or employees of any public institution not to curtail their leave in case of coronavirus infection.