Amid the rise in coronavirus cases across the country, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has adopted measures to mitigate the virus in FBR (HQ) and its field formations in line with the NCOC decisions taken in its meeting.
“In order to contain the exponential increase in COVID-19 cases in FBR headquarters and its field formation and in line with the NCOC decisions taken in its meeting dated 6th November 2020 conveyed to Ministry of National Health Services Regulations & Coordination for precautionary measures against the spread of coronavirus, the competent authority has decided to adopt the following measures by FBR (HQ) and all its field formations,” read the FBR circular.
It added that the FBR (HQ) and all its field formations are advised to reduce the staff strength BS-1 to 15 by 50% on a fortnightly rotation basis with effect from 13 November 2020.
“Any employee who has symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, shortness of breath should get himself/herself tested immediately and report to the admin wing FBR (HQ) or headquarters of the respective field formations to be allowed to stay isolated still he/she is tested negative.”
The employees are also directed to wear face masks during office hours, avoid handshakes, hugs, and maintain social distance as per standard SOPs, directed FBR.
“Employees above 50 years of age may be allowed to work from their homes accept those employees whose presence is unavoidable for smooth functioning in the official business. Heads off all field formations are advised to take the decision in this regard accordingly. Field Officers are further advised to allow female staff (Mother of Children) to work from their homes.”
“It is advised that all those employees who are suffering from flu, fever, or carrying a medical history of frequent chest infection, asthma, cardiac-related problems, or any other major disease shall be allowed to work from their homes. Moreover, the reception staff will monitor everyone who enters office premises with the help of infrared thermal thermometer,” it added.
The authority said that FBR (HQ) and its field formations shall take all necessary measures essential to ensure social distancing immediately. “Every possible effort shall be made by FBR (HQ) and its field formation to ensure collection of tax revenues and smooth clearances of goods and passengers,” it said.