New Delhi: The government on Thursday announced new rules for allowing shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and places of worship to open gradually following the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. The guidelines, issued by the Health Ministry amid the coronavirus pandemic, will come into effect from June 8. These include measures like staggering visitors to malls and no touching of idols at religious places. Detailed rules were also issued for offices that have been allowed to reopen over the past few weeks. All establishments that come under containment zones, however, will remain closed as announced earlier.
The Home Ministry had last week said “Unlock-2” will roll out across the country from June 8 under which the nationwide lockdown which came into effect from March 25 will be relaxed to a great extent, including the opening of shopping malls, restaurants, and religious places, though strict restrictions will remain in place till June 30 in the worst-hit areas.
Measures to be followed everywhere:
- People above 65 years of age, those with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home.
- The physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.
- Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
- Practice frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be made wherever feasible.
- Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves the strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing of used tissues properly.
- Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.
- Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.
- Installation and use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all
New COVID-19 guidelines for shopping malls:
- Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
- Only asymptomatic customers/visitors shall be allowed.
- All workers/customers/visitors to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks.
- The face cover/masks have to be worn at all times inside the shopping mall.
- Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.
- Staggering of visitors to be done, if possible.
- Adequate manpower shall be deployed by Mall Management for ensuring social distancing norms.
- All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees, and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public. Shopping Mall management to facilitate work from home wherever feasible.
- Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms shall be ensured.
- Valet parking, if available, shall be operational with operating staff wearing face covers/ masks and gloves as appropriate. Proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. of the vehicles should be taken up.
- Any shops, stalls, cafeteria, etc., outside and within the premises shall follow social distancing norms at all times.
- Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
- Preferably separate entry and exits for visitors, workers, and goods/supplies shall be organized.
- The staff for home deliveries shall be screened thermally by the shopping mall authorities prior to allowing home deliveries.
- Required precautions while handling supplies, inventories, and goods in the shopping mall shall be ensured. Proper queue management and disinfection shall be organized.
- Maintaining physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, when queuing up for entry and inside the shopping mall as far as feasible.
- The number of customers inside the shop to be kept at a minimum, so as to maintain the physical distancing norms.
- Seating arrangement, if any, to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained.
- The number of people in the elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining social distancing norms.
- Th use of escalators with one person on alternate steps may be encouraged.
- For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30oC, relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate.
- Large gatherings/congregations continue to remain prohibited.
- Effective and frequent sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, drinking, and handwashing stations/areas.
- Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made mandatory in all malls in common areas as well as inside shops, elevators, escalators, etc.
- Proper disposal of face covers/masks/gloves leftover by visitors and/or employees should be ensured.
- Deep cleaning of all washrooms shall be ensured at regular intervals.
- In the food-courts adequate crowd and queue management to be ensured to ensure social distancing norms.
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In food courts and restaurants, not more than 50% of the seating capacity to be permitted.
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Food court staff/waiters should wear masks and hand gloves and take other required precautionary measures.
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The seating arrangement should ensure adequate social distancing between patrons as far as feasible.
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Contactless mode of ordering and digital mode of payment (using e-wallets) to be encouraged.
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Tables to be sanitized each time the customer leaves.
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In the kitchen, the staff should follow social distancing norms at the workplace.
- Gaming Arcades shall remain closed.
- Children’s Play Areas shall remain closed.
- Cinema halls inside shopping malls shall remain closed.
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In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises:
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Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.
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Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
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Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
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A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly, further action is initiated regarding the management of the case, his/her contacts, and the need for disinfection.
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Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
New COVID-19 guidelines for restaurants:
- Takeaways to be encouraged, instead of Dine-In. Food delivery personnel should leave the packet at the customer’s door. DO NOT handover the food packet directly to the customer.
- The staff for home deliveries shall be screened thermally by the restaurant authorities prior to allowing home deliveries.
- Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
- Only asymptomatic staff and patrons shall be allowed.
- All staff and patrons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks. The face cover/masks has to be worn at all times inside the restaurant.
- Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.
- Staggering of patrons to be done, if possible.
- Adequate manpower shall be deployed by restaurant management for ensuring social distancing norms.
- All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees, and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public. Restaurant management to facilitate work from home wherever feasible.
- Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms shall be ensured.
- Additional patrons to be seated in a designated waiting area with norms of social distancing.
- Valet parking, if available, shall be operational with operating staff wearing face covers/ masks and gloves as appropriate. Proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. of the vehicles should be taken up.
- Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
- Preferably separate entry and exits for patrons, staff, and goods/supplies shall be organized.
- Required precautions while handling supplies, inventories, and goods in the restaurant shall be ensured. Proper queue management and disinfection shall be organized.
- Maintaining physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, when queuing up for entry and inside the restaurant as far as feasible.
- Seating arrangements to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained. In restaurants, not more than 50% of the seating capacity to be permitted.
- Disposable menus are advised to be used.
- Instead of cloth napkins, use of good quality disposable paper napkins to be encouraged.
- Buffet service should also follow social distancing norms among patrons.
- The number of people in the elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining social distancing norms.
- The use of escalators with one person on alternate steps may be encouraged.
- For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30oC, relative humidity should be in the range of 4070%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate.
- Large gatherings/congregations continue to remain prohibited.
- Effective and frequent sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, drinking and handwashing stations/areas.
- Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made mandatory in all guest service area and common areas.
- Proper disposal of face covers/masks/gloves leftover by patrons and/or staff should be ensured.
- Deep cleaning of all washrooms shall be ensured at regular intervals.
- Adequate crowd and queue management to be ensured to ensure social distancing norms.
- Staff/waiters should wear masks and hand gloves and take other required precautionary measures.
- Contactless mode of ordering and digital mode of payment (using e-wallets) to be encouraged.
- Tables to be sanitized each time the customer leaves.
- In the kitchen, the staff should follow social distancing norms at workplace. Kitchens area must be sanitized at regular intervals.
- Gaming Arcades/Children play areas (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.
- In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises:
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Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.
-
Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
-
Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
-
A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly, further action is initiated regarding the management of the case, his/her contacts, and the need for disinfection.
-
Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
New COVID-19 guidelines for religious places and places of worship:
- Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
- Only asymptomatic persons shall be allowed on the premises.
- All persons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks.
- Posters/standees on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently. Audio and Video clips to spread awareness on preventive measures for COVID-19 should be regularly played.
- Staggering of visitors to be done, if possible.
- Shoes/footwear to be preferably taken off inside your own vehicle. If needed they should be kept in separate slots for each individual/family by the persons themselves.
- Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms shall be organized.
- Any shops, stalls, cafeteria, etc., outside and within the premises shall follow social distancing norms at all times Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
- Preferably separate entry and exits for visitors shall be organized xi. Maintain physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet at all times when queuing up for entry.
- People should wash their hands and feet with soap and water before entering the premises.
- Seating arrangements to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained.
- For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30oC, relative humidity should be in the range of 4070%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate.
- Touching of statues/idols / holy books etc. not to be allowed.
- Large gatherings/congregation continue to remain prohibited.
- In view of the potential threat of the spread of infection, as far as feasible recorded devotional music/songs may be played and choir or singing groups should not be allowed.
- Avoid physical contact while greeting each other.
- Common prayer mats should be avoided and devotees should bring their own prayer mat or piece of cloth which they may take back with them.
- No physical offerings like Prasad/distribution or a sprinkling of holy water, etc.to be allowed inside the religious place.
- Community kitchens/langars /”Ann-daan”, etc. at religious places should follow physical distancing norms while preparing and distributing food.
- Effective sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, hand, and foot-washing stations/areas.
- Frequent cleaning and disinfection to be maintained by the management of the religious place.
- The floors should particularly be cleaned multiple times on the premises.
- Proper disposal of face covers/masks/gloves leftover by visitors and/or employees should be ensured.
- In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises:
- Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.
- Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
- Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
- A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly, further action is initiated regarding the management of the case, his/her contacts, and the need for disinfection.
- Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
New COVID-19 guidelines for hotels and other hospitality establishments:
- Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
- Only asymptomatic staff and guests shall be allowed.
- All staff and guests to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks. The face cover/masks has to be worn at all times inside the hotel.
- Adequate manpower shall be deployed by hotel management for ensuring social distancing norms.
- Staff should additionally wear gloves and take other required precautionary measures.
- All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees, and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public. Hotel management to facilitate work from home wherever feasible.
- Proper crowd management in the hotel as well as in outside premises like parking lots-duly following social distancing norms shall be ensured. Large gatherings/congregations continue to remain prohibited.
- Valet parking, if available, shall be operational with operating staff wearing face covers/ masks and gloves as appropriate. Proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. of the vehicles should be taken up.
- Preferably separate entry and exits for guests, staff, and goods/supplies shall be organized. Maintaining physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, when queuing up for entry and inside the hotel as far as feasible. Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
- The number of people in the elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining social distancing norms. Use of escalators with one person on alternate steps may be encouraged.
- Details of the guest (travel history, medical condition, etc.) along with ID and self-declaration form must be provided by the guest at the reception.
- Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.
- Hand sanitizers must be kept at the reception for guests to use. Guests to sanitize hands before and after filling relevant forms including A&D register.
- Hotels must adopt contactless processes like QR code, online forms, digital payments like e-wallet, etc. for both check-in and check-out.
- Luggage should be disinfected before sending the luggage to the rooms.
- Guests who are at higher risk i.e. those who are older, pregnant, or those who have underlying medical conditions are advised to take extra precautions.
- Guests should be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zone xviii. Required precautions while handling supplies, inventories, and goods in the hotel shall be ensured. Proper queue management and disinfection shall be organized.
- Appropriate personal protection gears like face covers/masks, gloves and hand sanitizers etc.shall be made available by the hotel to the staff as well as the guests.
- Detailed guidelines issued for restaurants shall be followed.
- Seating arrangements in the restaurant also to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained.
- Disposable menus are advised to be used.
- Instead of cloth napkins, use of good quality disposable paper napkins to be encouraged.
- Contactless mode of ordering and digital mode of payment (using e-wallets) to be encouraged.
- Buffet service should also follow social distancing norms among guests.
- Room service or takeaways to be encouraged, instead of dine-in. Food delivery personnel should leave the packet at guest or customer’s door and not handed directly to the receiver. The staff for home deliveries shall be screened thermally by the hotel authorities prior to allowing home deliveries.
- For room service, communication between guests and in-house staff should be through intercom/ mobile phone and room service (if any) should be provided while maintaining adequate social distance.
- Gaming Arcades/Children play areas (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.
- For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30oC, relative humidity should be in the range of 4070%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate.
- Effective and frequent sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, drinking and handwashing stations/areas.
- Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made mandatory in all guest service area and common areas.
- Proper disposal of face covers/masks/gloves leftover by guests and/or staff should be ensured.
- Deep cleaning of all washrooms shall be ensured at regular intervals.
- Rooms and other service areas shall be sanitized each time a guest leaves.
- In the kitchen, the staff should follow social distancing norms at the workplace. Kitchens area must be sanitized at regular intervals.
- In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises: a. Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.
- Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
- Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
- A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly, further action is to be initiated regarding the management of the case, his/her contacts, and the need for disinfection.
- Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
New COVID-19 guidelines for offices:
- Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
- Only asymptomatic staff/visitors shall be allowed.
- Any officer and staff residing in the containment zone should inform the same to the supervisory officer and not attend the office until the containment zone is denotified.
- Such staff should be permitted to work from home and it will not be counted as a leave period.
- Drivers shall maintain social distancing and shall follow the required dos and don’ts related to COVID-19. It shall be ensured by the service providers/ officers/ staff that drivers residing in containment zones shall not be allowed to drive vehicles. There shall be provision for disinfection of the interior of the vehicle using 1% sodium hypochlorite solution/ spray. Proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. should be taken up.
- Advise all employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees, and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public. Office management to facilitate work from home wherever feasible.
- All officers and staff/visitors to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks. The face cover/mask has to be worn at all times inside the office premises.
- Routine issues of visitors/temporary passes should be suspended and visitors with proper permission of the officer who they want to meet should be allowed after being properly screened.
- Meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing.
- Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.
- Staggering of office hours, lunch hours/coffee breaks to be done, as far as feasible.
- Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms be ensured. Valet parking, if available, shall be operational with operating staff wearing face covers/ masks and gloves as appropriate.
- Proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. of vehicles should be taken up.
- Any shops, stalls, cafeteria, etc., outside and within the office premises shall follow social distancing norms at all times.
- Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
- Preferably separate entry and exit for officers, staff, and visitors shall be organized.
- Proper cleaning and frequent sanitization of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces must be ensured.
- Ensure regular supply of hand sanitizers, soap, and running water in the washrooms.
- Required precautions while handling supplies, inventories, and goods in the office shall be ensured.
- Seating arrangements to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained.
- The number of people in the elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining social distancing norms.
- For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30oC, relative humidity should be in the range of 4070%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate.
- Large gatherings continue to remain prohibited.
- Effective and frequent sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, drinking, and handwashing stations/areas.
- Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) shall be done in-office premises and in common areas xxvi. Proper disposal of face covers/masks/gloves leftover by visitors and/or employees shall be ensured.
- In the cafeteria/canteen/dining halls:
- Adequate crowd and queue management to be ensured to ensure social distancing norms.
- Staff/waiters wear masks and hand gloves and take other required precautionary measures.
- The seating arrangement to ensure a distance of at least 1 meter between patrons as far as feasible.
- In the kitchen, the staff to follow social distancing norms.
27. Measures to be taken on occurrence of case(s): Despite taking the above measures, the occurrence of cases among the employees working in the office cannot be ruled out. The following measures will be taken in such circumstances:
- When one or few person(s) who share a room/close office space is/are found to be suffering from symptoms suggestive of COVID-19:
- Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others at the workplace. Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
- Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
- A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly, further advice shall be made regarding the management of the case, his/her contacts, and need for disinfection.
- The suspect case if reporting very mild/mild symptoms on an assessment by the health authorities would be placed under home isolation.
- The Suspect case, if assessed by health authorities as moderate to severe, will be treated as per the health protocol in the appropriate health facility.
- The rapid response team of the concerned district shall be requisitioned and will undertake the listing of contacts.
- The necessary actions for contact tracing and disinfection of the workplace will start once the report of the patient is received as positive. The report will be expedited for this purpose.
- If there are large numbers of contacts from a pre-symptomatic/asymptomatic case, there could be a possibility of a cluster emerging in a workplace setting. Due to the close environment in workplace settings, this could even be a large cluster (>15 cases). The essential principles of risk assessment, isolation, and quarantine of contacts, case referral, and management will remain the same. However, the scale of the arrangements will be higher.
Management of contacts:
- The contacts will be categorized into high and low-risk contacts by the District RRTas detailed in the Annexure I.
- The high-risk exposure contacts shall be quarantined for 14 days.
- These persons shall undergo testing as per ICMR protocol.
- The low-risk exposure contacts shall continue to work and closely monitor their health for the next 14 days.
- The flowchart for the management of contact/ cases is placed at Annexure-II.
Closure of workplace
- If there are one or two cases reported, the disinfection procedure will be limited to places/areas visited by the patient in past 48 hrs. There is no need to close the entire office building/halt work in other areas of the office and work can be resumed after disinfection as per laid down protocol.
- However, if there is a larger outbreak, the building/block will have to be closed for 48 hours after thorough disinfection. All the staff will work from home, till the building/block is adequately disinfected and is declared fit for re-occupation.
