Government issues guidelines for opening up various kinds of workplaces

The government has issued revised guidelines for people, states, and various kinds of establishments as it plans to re-activate the economy slowly. Though the second phase of the nation-wide lockdown was extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi till May 3, select activities are being opened up from April 20 with restrictions.

<strong>The following points have been listed by the Ministry of Home Affairs for workplaces:</strong>
<ul>
<li>All establishments will have to completely disinfect entrance gates, and public areas like cafeterias, canteens, meeting rooms, conference halls, verandahs, bunkers, portacabins, equipment and lifts, washrooms, toilets, sink and water points as well as surfaces and walls.</li>
<li>Establishments will also provide transportation facilities to their employees with 30-40 per cent passenger capacity. All vehicles and machinery will be disinfected with spray.</li>
<li>Medical insurance for workers has been made compulsory.</li>
<li>Handwashing facilities and sanitizers with touch-free mechanisms for all common areas and entry and exit points.</li>
<li>Workplaces will have a gap of one hour between shifts and lunchbreaks will be staggered to maintain social distancing.</li>
<li>Large gatherings and meeting of ten or more people have to be avoided and seating has to be six feet away.</li>
<li>Lifts will not carry more than two to four people and use of staircases has to be encouraged.</li>
<li>Spitting is prohibited with a ban on gutka and tobacco.</li>
<li>Non-essential visitors are banned at workplaces and a list of nearby hospitals which have been authorised to treat coronavirus patients should be made available to the staff.</li>
</ul>.