SC takes all necessary precautions to protect workers of World Cup 2022

"To date, we have no confirmed cases on SC sites, but we are monitoring all projects and will act accordingly if any worker shows symptoms. The SC's clinics are reporting criteria for suspected cases fulfilling the requirement of MOPH for reporting daily. This reporting is taking place through unified confidential software, the SystmOne software, introduced by the SC in partnership with The Phoenix Partnership (TPP), which offers an integrated electronic records system for workers - a first of its kind in Qatar," the SC said.

The SC added that SystmOne is supporting the clinics by ensuring uninterrupted anytime, anywhere access to worker's medical information. TPP has also created several clinical decision support tools to enable clinicians to correctly record and manage suspected COVID- 19 cases in accordance with MoPH guidelines. The SC has further established isolation rooms at all its workers' accommodation sites to test suspected cases and provide appropriate medical care.

SC is regularly screening workers where applicable. All workers with upper respiratory tract symptoms are examined by our work site doctors and nurses following the MoPH Visual Triage screening. Only suspected cases are reported as per the MoPH Reporting Guidelines. As per MoPH protocol, testing for COVID-19 is only permitted to take place within Hamad Hospital and CDC assigned hospitals.

The SC has a comprehensive medical framework on all projects and accommodations, including dedicated nurses, doctors, and clinics. SC's Workers' Welfare Department has its own doctor who is responsible for coordinating the work of all healthcare professionals connected to our projects.

The SC is on alert for any COVID-19 symptoms and, if detected, will follow the MoPH protocol. The SC also has a robust contingency plan in place, with adequate resources ready to provide sufficient medical care if conditions worsen.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) said that it is taking all necessary precautions for workers, in line with the COVID-19 preventative measures and interim guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Public Health. #QNA

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) April 1, 2020

"All COVID-19-related healthcare is provided free of charge by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). Treatment for any other medical condition is provided by HMC or provided by our contractors, as per the SC's mandated Workers' Welfare Standards," it stressed.

Assuming necessary flight restrictions do not impact routes to the home countries of workers, anyone can travel to their home countries in the case of an emergency, the SC said, adding that any further changes to the State of Qatar's evolving travel policy will be strictly adhered to by the SC and its contractors.

The SC will work with its contractors to ensure workers that are currently on leave will be able to report to duty once the airports reopen.

The SC has established isolation rooms in separate blocks and / or buildings on all of our accommodations and will continue to follow the MoPH protocol. "We will continue to test where relevant, with any suspected cases reported to the relevant authorities with the appropriate action taken."

"On March 31, 2020, the Ministry of Administrative Development Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) announced that workers in quarantine and isolation will be paid a full salary without any deduction and it is mandatory for employers and companies to follow the policies. As much as QR3bn has been earmarked to pay the salaries of workers and rents of the employers which could be utilized through banks to pay the wages of laborers and paying the rent due on companies

Under article 82 of the Qatari Labor Law, employees are entitled to sick leave with pay for each year of service, unless within the first three months of employment, and provided the employee can provide a medical report issued by a competent physician approved by the employer, it said.

"Employees are entitled to full sick pay for two weeks, reducing to half pay thereafter for a further four weeks. Sick leave can be extended for a maximum of six weeks beyond this period until the worker either resumes his duties or is unable to return to work due to health reasons.

"If an employee chooses to resign from his job during the first six weeks of sick leave, his or her employer is liable to settle the balance of all financial entitlements. This provision shall also apply in the event of death by reason of sickness before the end of the six weeks. If an employee takes sick leave for the full 12-week period, this does not constitute an interruption of continuous service and will not affect any end of service gratuity which is owed.

"Companies may provide benefits beyond the law at their own discretion. The SC remains in constant dialogue with all of our contractors and will engage with contractors on a case-by-case basis if any issues directly relating to salary payment occur. As we have no confirmed cases, this is not currently an issue.

On the possibility of suspending work on SC projects if there is a breakout of COVID-19 amongst SC worker, the SC said it will assess each situation on a case-by-case basis and will take the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of all construction workers and direct staff, which may include temporary suspension of work as and when required.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself. 

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Source: QNA

Cover Image Source: SC