New COVID-19 ‘back to office’ guidelines: Stagger office timings, allow only asymptomatic staff

The SOP prepared by the Health Ministry outlined various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

By: Jahnavi Sarma | | Updated: June 6, 2020 11:38 am

It will be important to maintain social distancing in offices as it will help in containing the spread of COVID-19.

As India readies for a new normal after a stringent 70-day nationwide COVID-19 lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus and enters into Unlock 1.0, the Union Health Ministry on Thursday released the standard operating procedures (SOP) for workplaces. The SOP prepared by the Health Ministry outlined various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be taken to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. For all the establishments, the government has recommended ensuring proper social distancing norms and disinfection of spaces and wearing of face masks. The ministry said that offices and other workplaces are relatively closed settings with shared spaces like work stations, corridors, elevators and stairs, parking places, cafeteria, meeting rooms and conference halls etc. and the COVID-19 infection can spread relatively fast among the staff and visitors. Also Read - Vaccine platform that may help prevent future coronavirus pandemics developed

There is a need to prevent the spread of the infection and to respond in a timely and effective manner in case a suspect case is detected in these settings, so as to limit the spread of the virus, it said. The Ministry advised staggering of office hours, lunch hours or coffee breaks, as far as feasible. It said that any shop, stall, cafeteria etc., outside and within the office premises, shall follow social distancing norms at all times. It further said that meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing. Also Read - DNA test can help identify risk of developing pneumonia among severe Covid-19 patients

Strict screening of visitors

According to the guidelines, only asymptomatic staff or visitor shall be allowed in the office premises and any officer or staff residing in the containment zone should inform the same to the supervisory authority and not attend the office till the containment zone is denotified. Routine issuance of visitors’ or temporary passes should be suspended and only visitors with proper permission of the official whom they want to meet should be allowed after being properly screened. Also Read - Beware: COVID-19 can infect neurons, damage brain cells

Social distancing and work from home

People above 65 years of age, people with comorbidities and pregnant women are advised to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes. Staffs residing in containment zones should be permitted to work from home and it will not be counted as leave period while drivers shall maintain social distancing and follow the required dos and don’ts related to COVID-19. Drivers residing in the containment zones shall not be allowed to drive vehicles.

Seating arrangements

Seating arrangements need to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained. The new SOP also advised that the seating arrangement in offices should ensure a distance of at least one meter between patrons as far as feasible.

Elevator rules

It also said that the number of people in the elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining social distancing norms for all settings.

AC and ventilation guidelines

For air-conditioning and ventilation, the guidelines of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) shall be followed which emphasise that the temperature setting of all air-conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30 degrees Celsius, and relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70 per cent.

Parking

Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms – must be ensured at all times.

(With inputs from IANS)

Published : June 6, 2020 11:19 am | Updated:June 6, 2020 11:38 am

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