New Delhi: The Union health ministry has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) on preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in offices. In the SOP, the Union Ministry of Health has declared that the Offices in the containment zones will remain closed except for medical and essential services and only those outside the containment zones will be allowed to open. He said that generic preventive measures include simple public health measures that must be followed to reduce the risk of COVID 19 infection. Also read – India vs England 2021: PM Narendra Modi becomes a photographer and shares a spectacular view of Chepauk during his visit to Chennai
The Ministry added that these measures must be observed by all employees and visitors at all times. These include maintaining a minimum distance of 6 feet in common places, wearing face covers or masks at all times, and frequent practice of hand washing. Also read: Maharashtra Records Rise in COVID Cases for the Fourth Day with 3611 New Infections, 38 Deaths
These are some of the important details: Also read – Coronavirus: No new deaths were reported in 17 states, UT in 24 hours; More than 80 lakh vaccinated so far | Key points
Guideline 1: Work can be resumed after disinfection is completed per established protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which were previously issued.
Guideline 2: If more cases are reported in the workplace, the entire block or building should be disinfected before resuming work.
Guideline 3: Officers and staff residing in containment zones should report this to their supervising officer and not attend the office until the containment zone is identified. These staff should be able to work from home.
Guideline 4: Offices in the containment zones will remain closed, except for medical and essential services, and only those outside will be allowed to open.
Guideline 5: The SOPs stated that only asymptomatic personnel or visitors will be allowed entry, individuals must maintain a minimum distance of six feet in common places as much as possible and wear face covers or masks at all times.
Guideline 6: Practice frequent hand washing 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 whenever possible.
Guideline 7: Meetings should, where possible, be conducted via videoconference and large physical gatherings are still prohibited.
Guideline 8: Offices and other workplaces are relatively close environments, with shared spaces like workstations, hallways, elevators and stairs, parking spots, cafeterias / dining rooms, meeting rooms and conference rooms, etc. it can spread relatively quickly among officials, staff and visitors.
Guideline 9: Office entrances should have mandatory provisions for hand hygiene such as disinfectant dispensers and heat screens. These should be proper cleaning and frequent disinfection, at least twice a day, of the workplace, particularly surfaces that are frequently touched, according to the document.
Guideline 10: The number of people in the elevators will be restricted, duly maintaining the rules of physical distancing, so proper signage must be made on the elevator floor.
Guideline 11: For air conditioning and ventilation, the guidelines of the Central Department of Public Works should be followed and these mention that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30 degrees Celsius, the relative humidity should be in the range of 40 -70 percent, the fresh air intake should be as much as possible and the cross ventilation should be adequate.
Guideline 12: Periodic cleaning and disinfection with sodium hypochlorite to one percent of frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, benches, toilet facilities, should be done in offices and common areas at least twice daily.
Guideline 13: Any store, stall, cafeteria or canteen outside and inside the office premises must ensure that the physical distance rules are followed at all times.
Guideline 14: Staff should take their temperature regularly and monitor respiratory symptoms, and should consult a doctor if they feel ill or show flu-like symptoms.
Guideline 15: In addition, staff and waiters should wear a mask and hand gloves and take other necessary precautionary measures.
Guideline 16: The seating arrangements must be made to ensure a distance of at least six feet.
.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.