MUMBAI: The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has issued an advisory to media houses to ensure that the health of their field and office staff is taken care of. The advisory comes in the wake of 53 journalists contracted COVID-19 in Mumbai while covering the pandemic.

“In view of the fact that media persons, including reporters, cameramen, photographers, etc., are covering incidents relating to COVID-19 in various parts of the country involving travel, amongst others, to containment zones, hotspots and other COVID-19-affected areas, it is advised that all such media persons may take due health and related precautions while performing their duties. Further, management of media houses is requested to take necessary care of their field staff as well as office staff,” reads the notice.

The I&B note is addressed to both print and electronic media houses.

News has been categorised as an essential service which enables all media houses to function during the pandemic. TV channels have said that they are practising adequate social distancing norms for on-ground reporters as well as office staff, and are working with a reduced workforce.

Channels have been working around the clock to ensure that all the latest updates on the pandemic are brought to the notice of people.