iTV Network firmly deals with COVID-19 as India News employee tests positive

An employee of India News working with the news channel’s Delhi output team tested positive for COVID-19 on May 21, 2020, once again reminding people of how our #NewsWarriors continue to brave the virus to keep people informed all the time.

Following the discovery of a COVID-19 positive case, all the safety protocols prescribed for such situations were set in motion, starting with the contact tracing. As many as 40 employees of India News have been tested, which include 19 primary and 20 secondary contacts.

In a statement issued, iTV Network said, “The DM and SHO of the area were immediately informed and all those who were in contact have been asked to self-quarantine.”

The statement further said, “As per clear protocols, we vacated the premises of The Media House in Okhla for sanitization at 5.00 pm yesterday (May 21), within 2 hours post confirmation of our colleague’s medical reports. Moreover, our advertisers and other stakeholders were immediately informed and kept updated.”

The office premises were sealed and MCD was informed, following which the municipal body has already done one round of sanitization. India News has engaged a private company for the second round of sanitization. “In the interim, as per a pre-conceived contingency plan, the channel has shifted to another building nearby with the most minimum staff,” the statement added.

India News, NewsX as well as the group’s regional channels aired recorded shows till 12 noon on May 22, 2020 after which all the channels were up and running from the alternate office premises.

Keeping the health of its employees first, the COVID-19 positive employee was admitted in one of Delhi’s top hospitals, and video consultations with two doctors, including a former IMA president, were organised for in her hospital room by the channel. Since she has shown mild symptoms, the person has now been advised by the doctors (in writing) to self quarantine from home. In the meantime, the channel has also organised 20 rooms in a five star hotel for those employees who do not want to self-quarantine at home.

iTV Network, in the statement issued, further said, “Even before the PM announced the lockdown, iTV Network had enforced Work From Home, allowing only a skeletal staff in the building, where we followed a strict regime of sanitization, masks, social distancing and temperature screening. Videos of the cleaning process were taken and sent to the management on an hourly basis. We are taking this development with seriousness and alacrity to ensure health and safety of our entire team and their families. We hope for a quick recovery for our colleague.”