Ministry of Labor and Social Development continues to support the efforts of the national team to tackle the Corona virus

18-03-2020

His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, praised the interaction and response of all entities subject to the Ministry’s supervision to the instructions regarding taking the necessary preventive measures to contain and prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19), including private sector establishments, private training institutions, nurseries, private social care centres and NGOs. He appreciated the positive interaction of these entities and their commitment to the decisions and instructions of the National Campaign to Combat Coronavirus (COVID‑19), noting that this reflects a sense of patriotism, awareness and understanding of the shared responsibility that falls on everyone to preserve the health of citizens and residents. In this context, Humaidan pointed out that the Ministry held a series of meetings with representatives of foreign labour embassies, in addition to communicating and following up with private sector establishments, to inform them of the required preventive measures to preserve the safety and health of all. The Ministry also conducted field inspection visits to workers’ accommodation and distributed leaflets and posters informing them of the dangers of the Coronavirus and how to take preventive precautions. In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, relevant banners and advertisements were placed in several languages, including those targeted at expatriate workers, near workers' accommodations and industrial areas. The Ministry also communicated with foreign workers via text messages, publishing the latest developments and measures required to protect them. In the same context, Humaidan added that the Ministry has been communicating and following up with nurseries, centres for Persons with Disabilities, and private training centres and institutes licensed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development regarding their commitment to the necessary preventive measures to combat the virus, including sterilising all classrooms, administrative offices and equipment used by employees, as well as sterilising equipment and materials used in training, and providing the necessary sterilisation materials. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development indicated that NGOs were also addressed regarding the precautionary instructions to contain and prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID‑19). They were directed to postpone holding general assemblies for the time being, in addition to urging them to adhere to the correct sterilisation of the headquarters of these organisations on a regular and continuous basis. They were also given guidance manuals that included various basic directives for the public, individuals, and institutions on how to prevent the virus, limit its spread, and deal with it, in four languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, and Urdu. Humaidan affirmed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development continues to support the tireless efforts of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus by activating and strengthening precautionary and preventive measures across all entities under its supervision. He noted that this initiative falls within the framework of promoting a safe and secure work environment against contagious and infectious diseases, addressing various health challenges, and ensuring the health and safety of all.