Govt. issues new guidelines to contain spread of COVID-19 in offices

To contain the spread of COVID-19 in offices, the Union Health Ministry has issued new SOPs, according to which if one or two cases are reported, the disinfection procedure will be limited to the areas occupied and visited by the patient in the last 48 hours. Also Read | FASTag mandatory from Monday midnight or pay double toll fee The SOPs stated, "Work can resume after disinfection has been completed as per laid down protocols," Adding, if a larger number of cases are reported at workplace, the whole block or building should be disinfected before work is resumed. According to the new guidelines, officers and staff residing in containment zones should inform the same to their supervisory officer and not attend office till the containment zone is de-notified. Such staff should be permitted to work from home. It added, offices in containment zones shall remain closed except for medical and essential services and only those outside will be allowed to open up. The SOPs clarified that only asymptomatic staff or visitors shall be allowed entry, individuals must maintain a minimum distance of six feet in common places as far as feasible, and use face covers or masks at all times. "They must be worn properly to cover the nose and the mouth. Touching the front portion of the mask or face cover to be avoided," the ministry quoted. The guidelines also focused on practicing frequent handwashing with soap for at least 40 to 60 seconds, even when hands are not visibly dirty, and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds wherever feasible. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi inaugurates IIT Madras ‘Discovery Campus’ According to the SOPs, meetings should be done through video conferencing or as far as possible and large physical gatherings continue to remain prohibited. "Offices and other workplaces are relatively close settings, with shared spaces like workstations, corridors, elevators and stairs, parking places, cafeteria/canteens, meeting rooms and conference halls etc., COVID-19 infection can spread relatively fast among officials, staffs and visitors," the SOPs said.

"There is a need to prevent spread of infection and to respond in a timely and effective manner in case suspect case of COVID-19 is detected in these settings, so as to limit the spread of infection," it added. In another major development, according to the document, "Entrances of offices should have mandatory provisions for hand hygiene like sanitizer dispensers, thermal screening. These should be proper cleaning and frequent sanitization, at least twice a day, of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces." It added, "The number of people in elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining physical distancing norms for which proper markings should be made on the floor of the elevators." For air-conditioning and ventilation, the guidelines of Central Public Works Department must be followed and these mention that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30 degrees Celsius, relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70 per cent, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate, it stated. The new SOP stated, "Cleaning and regular disinfection using one per cent sodium hypochlorite of frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, benches, washroom fixtures, must be done in office premises and in common areas at least twice a day." The SOP document also mentioned that any shop, stall, cafeteria or canteen outside and within the office premises must ensure physical distancing norms are being followed at all times.

-PTC News