Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly decided to shrink the number of employees at governmental institutions within the framework of the state's precautionary measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The decision is applicable to employees at the administrative bodies of the ministries, governmental institutions as well as public sector companies.

The premier urged the bodies concerned to take all needed measures to contain the possible repercussions of the coronavirus.

The decision will be published in the gazette and placed into effect on the day following the publication.

The 15-day decision is not applicable to employees at the transportation sector, ambulance, hospitals, water, sewage and electricity.

Under the decision, those who can accomplish their work at home should not go to work or they can go on daily or weekly rotational basis according to the discretion of the authorities concerned.

Any employee who suffers from chronic disease should be granted an exceptional vacation during the 15 days.

Also, any employee suffering from infectious diseases should be granted a vacation in line with a medical report from the medical authority concerned.

As for pregnant employees or women having children under 12, they should be granted an exceptional vacation for 15 days.

Also, any employee returned from abroad should be granted a 15-day vacation as of the day of his return.

Under the decision, all workshops and training sessions will be suspended.

Governmental authorities and public sector companies should also be cleaned and sterilized.

Under the decision, all exceptional vacations will be paid and will not be deducted from the employee's vacations.