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A fresh set of guidelines issued by the Centre will come into effect from today and remain in force till December 31. Keeping in mind the recent spike in new cases in some states, the Centre has given more power to the states and union territories to impose local restrictions, such as night curfew, if the situation requires.
The state governments are also allowed to take administrative action against people not following the basic COVID-19 safety measures.
The Union Home Ministry noted the focus of the guidelines will be to "consolidate the gains achieved against the spread of COVID-19", which it said is visible in the steady decline in the number of active cases in the country. However, the Ministry is still concerned about states where COVID-19 is still posing a challenge. Therefore, the new guidelines included a set of protocols for states and union territories to check the spread of the disease.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday released guidelines on preventive measures in markets to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The guidelines also noted that surveillance teams will conduct intensive house-to-house surveillance in containment zones and quick isolation of COVID-19 patients shall be ensured in treatment facilities or home.
"Amid COVID pandemic, with gradual opening of economic activities, markets are witnessing high footfalls. Such large gatherings, without observance of COVID19 appropriate behaviour have the potential to spread Coronavirus disease," the health ministry noted in its standard operating procedures (SOPs) for markets.
The official document outlines various specific measures to be ensured at marketplaces, in addition to the generic precautionary measures, to prevent spread of COVID-19. These guidelines will apply to both retail and wholesale markets, the Health Ministry said.
As per the guidelines, marketplaces in containment zones shall remain closed. Shop owners and employees living in containment zones are also not allowed entry into marketplaces.
The Health Ministry stressed on encouraging provision of online booking of groceries and doorstep delivery and considering incentives or discounts for those who shop during non-peak hours.
It also suggested mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) arrangement at the entrance to the shops, as well as cleaning and regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces before the opening of shops, at the end of the day and at other appropriate times.
COVID appropriate behaviour in marketplaces may be self-regulated by market associations through a number of measures, including creation of a sub-committee for each market, the Ministry said.
It also recommended setting up mask dispensing kiosks at government-approved rates at entry points of markets and parking lots, establishing hand washing stations in public utility areas, and providing mass thermal screening at the entry and access points to the market.