Centre issues guidelines to contain COVID-19 in markets

COVID-19 Guidelines for markets: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on the preventive and precautionary measures to be followed in markets to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The Health Ministry in recognition of the fact that markets are visited by a large number of people for their daily needs, shopping, entertainment, and food has designed a protocol to contain the spread of COVID-19. Also Read | Punjab singer Jass Bajwa is now married [PHOTOS] Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 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. These COVID-19 guidelines for markets include:

• 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 outside shops and other places 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 off 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 & use of AarogyaSetu App shall be advised to all.
• Prior to resumption of daily activities, all work areas inside the shop shall be sanitized (using 1% Sodium Hypochlorite solution) by shop owners.
• Cleaning and regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs/handles, elevator buttons, handrails, chairs, table tops, counters, etc.) and floors, walls, etc. to be done before the opening of shops, at the end of the day and at other appropriate times.

• Entrance to the shops to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) arrangement.
• Where cars are repositioned by parking lot employees, proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. of the vehicles should be undertaken by the owner before the vehicle is used again.
• Public utility areas and open spaces shall be sanitized with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite solution. This shall be done on a regular basis.

• Deep cleansing of the toilets, handwashing and drinking water stations shall be done at least 3-4 times daily.
• The market associations shall facilitate maintaining a healthy environment of public utility areas and open spaces through their own means and through local urban bodies/civic agencies.

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