GOVT HALTS UNNECESSARY TRAVELS

By KETRA KALUNGA Secretary to Cabinet, Simon Miti has directed that public service workers should revert back to the rotational time table due to the spike in the covid 19 cases in the country. And Dr. Miti has suspended all travels outside the province unless with permission from his office. He has also directed permanent secretaries and heads of spending agencies to scrutinize all requests from staff for authority to travel out of station on official duty and ensure that only essential travels are approved. He said the rotational work arrangement should be implemented for a period of 30 days effective today to reduce staff exposure to potential risks of contracting COVID-19 while on duty. Dr. Miti has urged civil servants to ensure that the measures being put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 do not disrupt normal delivery of public services. “Government has observed a rise in the COVID-19 possible rate in the country in the recent past, clearly signaling the tread of the third wave at the onset of the cold season with the country moving into the cold season, there is a possibility of a third wave,” he said. Dr. Miti has however clarified that all employees could be called upon at any time to support the ongoing operations in line with terms and conditions of service. He has urged public service workers to observe the public health guidelines such as masking up, washing hands, physical distancing and avoiding unnecessary travels.