Here Are The Govt.'s New Guidelines For Workplaces To Prevent The Spread Of COVID-19

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Unlock 1.0 began on the 1st of June, and under this, both government and private offices are now allowed to operate with full staff capacity. But since the offices and workplaces have shared spaces like elevators, corridors and work stations, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued a new set of guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in offices and here are all the details.

1. Only those offices outside the containment zones will be allowed to open and the staff residing in the containment zone should be allowed to work from home which will not be counted as a leave period.

2. Sanitizer dispensers and thermal screening provisions are a must at the office entrance.

3. Only asymptomatic employees and visitors shall be allowed inside the office.

4. Drivers must strictly adhere to social distancing and the prohibitory orders related to COVID-19 and those living in the containment zones should not be allowed to drive vehicles.

5. The interior of the vehicles as well as the door handles and keys must be disinfected with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution or spray.

6. People above the age of 65 years, those with co-morbidities and pregnant women should take extra precautions and the office management must facilitate work from home wherever possible.

7. It is mandatory for all the employees and visitors to wear masks at all times inside the premises. 

8. Only those visitors with passes or appointment must be allowed after proper screening.

9. It is encouraged to do meetings through video conferencing as far as feasible.

10. Posters and AV media on the prevention of COVID-19 must be displayed clearly.

11. Staggering work and lunch hours should be done.

12. Social distancing must be followed even in the parking spaces and outside the premises. In case of valet parking, the operational staff must wear face masks and ensure regular disinfection of the vehicle.

13. Cafeterias and stalls outside the offices shall follow the social distancing norms by creating specific markings at sufficient distance to manage the queue.

14. If possible, separate entry and exit for officers, staff and visitors must be organised.

15. Regular sanitization of the workplace must be ensured and adequate provision for soaps and sanitizers should be made.

16. Precautions should be taken while handling inventories, supplies and goods.

17. The number of people in the elevators must be restricted and the seating arrangement in the office should be made in such a way that the social distancing norms are followed.

18. The ACs should be in a range of 24-30 degrees and the relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%. Cross ventilation must be adequate and the intake of fresh air should be as much as possible.

19. The kitchen staff must use disposable gloves and masks at all times.

20. Face covers, masks and gloves should be disposed off properly.

Guys, try to work from home for the next few months and in case you’re heading out, take all the precautions. Stay safe!

For More Info | https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/1SoPstobefollowedinOffices.pdf