Companies gear up

Wipro sets up pandemic task force

During an interaction meet on H1N1 called by Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) on Friday, various companies shared the protocols they had put in place to check spread of the virus amongst their employees. The event was chaired by BCIC vice- president Shekhar Vishwanath. Principal Secretary, Health Department, I R Perumal was the chief speaker.

Wipro has set up a pandemic task force.

Apart from sending mails to all its 20,000 employees in the City to create awareness, four days leave has been made mandatory for employees coming from abroad.

"Also a person who develops flu-like symptoms will be sent to Wipro authorised hospitals like the Apollo Hospital," said Sharafuddin, manager at Wipro.

Masks distributed
Mercedes Benz has distributed disposable masks to 252 of its employees, 60 consultants and contractors and gave three to four days leave to anyone who fell ill, said Suresh Babu, senior executive, HR.

In IBM, the pandemic planning put in place in 2006 to deal with the H5N1 (avian flu) was being followed now.

Dr Deepak from the company, said, "We have started disinfection process at all the floors. We are also providing masks to employees who show flu-like symptoms."

Lalit Ashok Hotel has been giving training to all its employees, especially the housekeeping staff, regarding basic cleanliness.

"We have also set up an information desk near the cafeteria, which will educate the employees," informed Meena, one of hotel staff.