Govt has released SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in offices, SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in religious places, SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in hotels and other hospitality services, SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of OVD-19 in restaurants and SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in shopping malls on 04th June 2020.
No 128015/19/2020-EMR (Pt.)
Government of India Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Nirman Bhawani New Delhi
Dated 4th June, 2020
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Government of India has been taking various measures towards management of COVID-19. As part of graded response various restrictions were in place for various public activities and guidelines have been issued from time to time as per the evolving situation.
Ministry of Home Affairs has issued orders under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 dated 30.05.2020 extending the lockdown in Containment Zones up to 30.06,2020 and to reopen certain activities in a phased manner in areas outside the Containment Zones.
The said orders provided that MoIIFW will issue SOPs for allowing following activities with effect from 08.06.2020:
1. Religious places/ places of worship for public.
2. Hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services.
3. Shopping Malls
Accordingly, the SOPs as mentioned in annexure have been formulated in consultation with Central Ministries/ Departments concerned and other stakeholders and are hereby issued to be made applicable with effect from 08.06.2020.
States/Las are requested to implement the aforesaid SOPs. However, they may develop and implement their own protocol which may be stricter as per their assessment of the situation with a view to effectively contain COVID-19.
This is issued with the approval of Competent Authority.
End:
1. SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in offices
2. SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in religious places
3. SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in hotels and other hospitality services
4. SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of OVD-19 in restaurants
5. SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in shopping malls
(Lay AgarNal)
Joint Secretary
01123061195
To
- Chief Secretaries of all States and tiTs
- Secretary (Ministry of Home Affairs, Tourism, Urban Development, Department of Personnel Training, DPIIT)
4th June, 2020
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in offices
1. Background
Offices and other workplaces are relatively close settings, with shared spaces like work stations, corridors, elevators & stairs, parking places, cafeteria, meeting rooms and conference halls etc. and CO VI D-19 infection can spread relatively fast among officials, staffs and visitors.
There is a need to prevent spread of infection and to respond in a timely and effective manner in case suspect case of COVID-19 is detected in these settings, so as to limit the spread of infection.
2. Scope
This document outlines the preventive and response measures to be observed to contain the spread of COVID-19 in office settings. The document is divided into the following sub-sections
(i) Generic preventive measures to be followed at all times
(ii) Measures specific to offices
(iii) Measures to be taken on occurrence of case(s)
(iv) Disinfection procedures to be implemented in case of occurrence of suspect/confirmed case.
Offices in containment zones shall remain closed except for medical & essential sevices. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
3. Generic preventive measures
Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women are advised to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes. Office management to facilitate the process.
The generic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of infection with COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (employees and visitors) at all times. These include:
i. Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet in public places as far as feasible.
ii. Use of face covers/masks to be mandatory.
iii. 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.
iv. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
v. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to the immediate supervisory officer.
vi. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.
vii. Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App by employees.
4. Specific preventive measures for offices:
i. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
ii. Only asymptomatic staff/visitors shall be allowed.
iii. Any officer and staff residing in containment zone should inform the same to supervisory officer and not attend the office till containment zone is denotified. Such staff should be permitted to work from home and it will not be counted as leave period.
iv. Drivers shall maintain social distancing and shall follow 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.
v. There shall be provision for disinfection of the interior of the vehicle using 1% sodium hypochlorite solution/ spray. A proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. should be taken up.
vi. Advise all employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra 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.
vii. 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.
viii. Routine issue 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.
ix. Meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing.
x. Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.
xi. Staggering of office hours, lunch hours/coffee breaks to be done, as far as feasible.
xii. Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms be ensured.
xiii. Valet parking, if available, shall be operational with operating staff wearing face covers/ masks and gloves as appropriate. A proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. of vehicles should be taken up.
xiv. Any shops, stalls, cafeteria etc., outside and within the office premises shall follow social distancing norms at all times.
xv. Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
xvi. Preferably separate entry and exit for officers, staff and visitors shall be organised.
xvii. Proper cleaning and frequent sanitization of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces must be ensured.
xviii. Ensure regular supply of hand sanitisers, soap and running water in the washrooms.
xix. Required precautions while handling supplies, inventories and goods in the office shall be ensured.
xx. Seating arrangement to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained.
xxi. Number of people in the elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining social distancing norms.
xxii. For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasises 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.
xxiii. Large gatherings continue to remain prohibited.
xxiv. Effective and frequent sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, drinking and hand washing stations/areas.
xxv. Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) shall be done in office premises and in common areas
xxvi. Proper disposal of face covers / masks / gloves left over by visitors and/or employees shall be ensured.
xxvii. In the cafeteria/canteen/dining halls:
a. Adequate crowd and queue management to be ensured to ensure social distancing norms.
b. Staff / waiters to wear mask and hand gloves and take other required precautionary measures.
c. The seating arrangement to ensure a distance of at least 1 meter between patrons as far as feasible.
d. In the kitchen, the staff to follow social distancing norms.
5. 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:
i. 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:
a. 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.
b. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
c. A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly further advice shall be made regarding management of case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.
d. The suspect case if reporting very mild/mild symptoms on assessment by the health authorities would be placed under home isolation.
e. Suspect case, if assessed by health authorities as moderate to severe, will be treated as per health protocol in appropriate health facility.
f. The rapid response team of the concerned district shall be requisitioned and will undertake the listing of contacts.
g. The necessary actions for contact tracing and disinfection of work place will start once the report of the patient is received as positive. The report will be expedited for this purpose.
ii. If there are large numbers of contacts from a pre-symptomatic/asymptomatic case, there could be a possibility of a cluster emerging in 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 arrangements will be higher.
iii. Management of contacts:
a. The contacts will be categorised into high and low risk contacts by the District RRT as detailed in the Annexure I.
b. The high-risk exposure contacts shall be quarantined for 14 days.
c. These persons shall undergo testing as per ICMR protocol.
d. The low risk exposure contacts shall continue to work and closely monitor their health for next 14 days.
e. The flowchart for management of contact/cases is placed at Annexure – II.
6. Closure of workplace
i. 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.
ii. 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.
7. Disinfection Procedures in Offices
Detailed guidelines on the disinfection as already issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as available on their website shall be followed.
Annexure I
Risk profiling of contacts
Contacts are persons who have been exposed to a confirmed case anytime between 2 days prior to onset of symptoms (in the positive case) and the date of isolation (or maximum 14 days after the symptom onset in the case).
High-risk contact
- Touched body fluids of the patient (respiratory tract secretions, blood, vomit, saliva, urine, faeces; e.g. being coughed on, touching used paper tissues with a bare hand)
- Had direct physical contact with the body of the patient including physical examination without PPE
- Touched or cleaned the linens, clothes, or dishes of the patient.
- Lives in the same household as the patient.
- Anyone in close proximity (within 1 meter) of the confirmed case without precautions.
- Passengers in close proximity (within 1 meter) in a conveyance with a symptomatic person who later tested positive for COVID-19 for more than 6 hours.
Low-risk contact
- Shared the same space (worked in same room/similar) but not having a high-risk exposure to confirmed case of COVID-19.
- Travelled in same environment (bus/train/flight/any mode of transit) but not having a high-risk exposure.
Annexure II
Management of the case(s) and contacts
4th June, 2020
Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in religious places/places of worship
1. Background
Religious places / places of worship get frequented by large number of people for spiritual solace. To prevent spread of COVID-19 infection, it is important that required social distancing and other preventive measures are followed in such premises.
2. Scope
This document outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be taken at particular places to prevent spread of COVID-19.
Religious places/places of worship for public in containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
3. Generic preventive measures
Person above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant woman and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home. Organisations managing the religious institutions to advise accordingly.
The generic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (workers and visitors) in these places at all times.
These include:
i. Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet in public places as far as feasible.
ii. Use of face covers/masks to be mandatory.
iii. 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.
iv. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/ sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
v. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.
vi. Spitting should be strictly prohibited.
vii. Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all.
4. All religious places shall also ensure:
i. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
ii. Only asymptomatic persons shall be allowed in the premises.
iii. All persons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks.
iv. Posters/standees on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed Audio and Video clips to spread awareness on preventive measures for COVID-19 should be regularly played.
v. Staggering of visitors to be done, if possible.
vi. Shoes / footwear to be preferably taken off inside own vehicle. If needed they should be kept in separate slots for each individual / family by the persons themselves.
vii. Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms shall be organized.
viii. Any shops, stalls, cafeteria etc., outside and within the premises shall follow social distancing norms at all times
ix. Specific markings may be made with sufficient distant to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
x. 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.
xii. People should wash their hand and feet with soap and water before entering the premises.
xiii. Seating arrangement to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained.
xiv. For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasises 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.
xv. Touching of statues/idols / holy books etc. not to be allowed.
xvi. Large gatherings/congregation continue to remain prohibited.
xvii. In view of potential threat of spread of infection, as far as feasible recorded devotional music/songs may be played and choir or singing groups should not be allowed.
xviii. Avoid physical contact while greeting each other.
xix. 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.
xx. No physical offerings like Prasad/distribution or sprinkling of holy water, to be allowed inside the religious place.
xxi. Community kitchens/langars / “Ann-daan”, etc. at religious placesshould follow physical distancing norms while preparing and distributing food.
xxii. Effective sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, hand and foot-washing stations/areas.
xxiii. Frequent cleaning and disinfection to be maintained by the management of the religious place.
xxiv. The floors should particularly be cleaned multiple times in the premises.
xxv. Proper disposal of face covers / masks / gloves left over by visitors and/or employees should be ensured.
xxvi. 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.
b. Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
c. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
d. A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.
e. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
4th June,2020
Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
SOP on preventive measures in Hotels and Other Hospitality Units to contain spread of COVID-19
1. Background
All hotels and other hospitality units must take suitable measures to restrict any further transmission of COVID-19 while providing accommodation and other tourist services. The SOP aims to minimize all possible physical contacts between Staff and Guests and maintain social distancing and other preventive and safety measures against COVID-19.
2. Scope
This document outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be ensured in hotels and other hospitality units(henceforth, ‘hotels’)to prevent spread of COVID-19.
Hotelsin containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
3. Generic preventive measures
(A) Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes. Hotel management to advise accordingly.
(B) The generic measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (staff and guests) in these places at all times.
These include:
i. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.
ii. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
iii. 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.
iv. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/ sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
v. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.
vi. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.
vii. Installation and use of Aarogya Setuapp shall be advised to all.
4. All Hotels shall ensure the following arrangements:
i. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
ii. Only asymptomatic staff and guests shall be allowed.
iii. 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.
iv. Adequate manpower shall be deployed by hotel management for ensuring social distancing norms.
v. Staff should additionally wear gloves and take other required precautionary distancing norms.
vi. 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.
vii. 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.
viii. Valet parking, if available, shall be operational with operating staff wearing face covers/ masks and gloves as appropriate. A proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. of the vehicles should be taken up.
ix. Preferably separate entry and exits for guests, staff and goods/supplies shall be 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.
x. 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.
xi. 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.
xii. Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.
xiii. 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.
xiv. Hotels must adopt contactless processes like QR code, online forms, digital payments like e-wallet etc. for both check-in and check-out.
xv. Luggage should be disinfected before sending the luggage to rooms.
xvi. 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.
xvii. Guests should be advised not to visit areas falling with in 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.
xix. Appropriate personal protection gears like face covers/masks, gloves and hand sanitizers etc.shall be made available by hotel to the staff as well as the guests.
xx. Detailed guidelines issued for restaurants shall be followed.
a. Seating arrangement in the restaurant also to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained.
b. Disposable menus are advised to be used.
c. Instead of cloth napkins, use of good quality disposable paper napkins to be encouraged.
d. Contactless mode of ordering and digital mode of payment (using e-wallets) to be encouraged.
e. Buffet service should also follow social distancing norms among guests.
xxi. 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.
xxii. 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.
xxiii. Gaming Arcades/Children play areas (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.
xxiv. For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasises that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30 oC, 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.
xxv. Effective and frequent sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, drinking and hand washing stations/areas.
xxvi. Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made mandatory in all guest service area and common areas.
xxvii. Proper disposal of face covers/masks/gloves left over by guests and/or staff should be ensured.
xxviii. Deep cleaning of all washrooms shall be ensured at regular intervals.
xxix. Rooms and other service areasshall be sanitized each time a guest leaves.
xxx. In the kitchen, the staff should follow social distancing norms at work place. Kitchens area must be sanitized at regular intervals.
xxxi. 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.
b. Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
c. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
d. A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.
e. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
4th June,2020
Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
SOP on preventive measures in Restaurants to contain spread of COVID-19
1. Background
Given the current COVID-19 outbreak in India, it is important that restaurants and other hospitality units take suitable measures to restrict any further transmission of the virus while providing restaurant services.
2. Scope
This document outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be ensured at particular places to prevent spread of COVID-19.
Restaurants in containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
3. Generic preventive measures
Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes. Restaurant management to advise accordingly.
The generic measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (staff and patrons) in these places at all times.
These include:
i. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.
ii. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
iii. 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.
iv. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/ sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
v. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.
vi. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.
vii. Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all.
viii.
4. All Restaurants shall ensure the following arrangements:
i. Takeaways to be encouraged, instead of Dine-In. Food delivery personnel should leave the packet at customer’s door. DO NOT handover the food packet directly to the customer.
ii. The staff for home deliveries shall be screened thermally by the restaurant authorities prior to allowing home deliveries.
iii. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
iv. Only asymptomatic staff and patrons shall be allowed.
v. 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.
vi. Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.
vii. Staggering of patrons to be done, if possible.
viii. Adequate manpower shall be deployed by restaurant management for ensuring social distancing norms.
ix. 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.
x. Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms shall be ensured.
xi. Additional patrons to be seated in a designated waiting area with norms of social distancing.
xii. Valet parking, if available, shall be operational with operating staff wearing face covers/ masks and gloves as appropriate. A proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. of the vehicles should be taken up.
xiii. Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
xiv. Preferably separate entry and exits for patrons, staff and goods/supplies shall be organized.
xv. Required precautions while handling supplies, inventories and goods in the restaurant shall be ensured. Proper queue management and disinfection shall be organized.
xvi. Maintaining physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, when queuing up for entry and inside the restaurant as far as feasible.
xvii. Seating arrangement to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is In restaurants, not more than 50% of seating capacity to be permitted.
xviii. Disposable menus are advised to be used.
xix. Instead of cloth napkins, use of good quality disposable paper napkins to be encouraged.
xx. Buffet service should also follow social distancing norms among patrons.
xxi. Number of people in the elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining social distancing norms.
xxii. Use of escalators with one person on alternate steps may be encouraged.
xxiii. For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasises 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.
xxiv. Large gatherings/congregations continue to remain prohibited.
xxv. Effective and frequent sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, drinking and hand washing stations/areas.
xxvi. Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made mandatory in all guest service area and common areas.
xxvii. Proper disposal of face covers / masks / gloves left over by patrons and/or staff should be ensured.
xxviii. Deep cleaning of all washrooms shall be ensured at regular intervals.
xxix. Adequate crowd and queue management to be ensured to ensure social distancing norms.
xxx. Staff/waiters should wear mask and hand gloves and take other required precautionary measures.
xxxi. Contactless mode of ordering and digital mode of payment (using e-wallets) to be encouraged.
xxxii. Tables to be sanitized each time customer leaves.
xxxiii. In the kitchen, the staff should follow social distancing norms at work place. Kitchens area must be sanitized at regular intervals.
xxxiv. Gaming Arcades/Children play areas (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.
xxxv. 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.
b. Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
c. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
d. A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.
e. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
4th June,2020
Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
SOP on preventive measures in shopping malls to contain spread of COVID-19
1. Background
Shopping malls get frequented by large number of people for shopping, entertainment and food. To prevent spread of COVID-19 infection, it is important that required social distancing and other preventive measures are followed.
2. Scope
This document outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be ensured at particular places to prevent spread of COVID-19. Shopping malls in containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
3. Generic preventive measures
Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes. Shopping mall management to advise accordingly.
The generic measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (workers and visitors) in these places at all times.
These include:
i. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.
ii. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
iii. 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.
iv. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/ sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
v. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.
vi. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.
vii. Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all.
viii.
4. All shopping malls shall ensure the following arrangements:
i. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
ii. Only asymptomatic customers/visitors shall be allowed.
iii. All workers/customers/visitors to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks. The face cover/masks has to be worn at all times inside the shopping mall.
iv. Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.
v. Staggering of visitors to be done, if possible.
vi. Adequate manpower shall be deployed by Mall Management for ensuring social distancing norms.
vii. 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.
viii. Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms shall be ensured.
ix. Valet parking, if available, shall be operational with operating staff wearing face covers/ masks and gloves as appropriate. A proper disinfection of steering, door handles, keys, etc. of the vehicles should be taken up.
x. Any shops, stalls, cafeteria etc., outside and within the premises shall follow social distancing norms at all times.
xi. Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
xii. Preferably separate entry and exits for visitors, workers and goods/supplies shall be organized.
xiii. The staff for home deliveries shall be screened thermally by the shopping mall authorities prior to allowing home deliveries.
xiv. Required precautions while handling supplies, inventories and goods in the shopping mall shall be ensured. Proper queue management and disinfection shall be organized.
xv. Maintaining physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, when queuing up for entry and inside the shopping mall as far as feasible.
xvi. Number of customers inside the shop to be kept at a minimum, so as to maintain the physical distancing norms.
xvii. Seating arrangement, if any, to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained.
xviii. Number of people in the elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining social distancing norms.
xix. Use of escalators with one person on alternate steps may be encouraged.
xx. For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasises that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30 0C, 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.
xxi. Large gatherings/congregations continue to remain prohibited.
xxii. Effective and frequent sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, drinking and hand washing stations/areas.
xxiii. Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made mandatory in all malls in common areas as well as inside shops, elevators, escalators etc.
xxiv. Proper disposal of face covers / masks / gloves left over by visitors and/or employees should be ensured.
xxv. Deep cleaning of all washrooms shall be ensured at regular intervals.
xxvi. In the food-courts:
a. Adequate crowd and queue management to be ensured to ensure social distancing norms.
b. In food courts and restaurants, not more than 50% of seating capacity to be permitted.
c. Food court staff / waiters should wear mask and hand gloves and take other required precautionary measures.
d. The seating arrangement should ensure adequate social distancing between patrons as far as feasible.
e. Contactless mode of ordering and digital mode of payment (using e-wallets) to be encouraged.
f. Tables to be sanitized each time customer leaves.
g. In the kitchen, the staff should follow social distancing norms at work place.
xxvii. Gaming Arcades shall remain closed.
xxviii. Children Play Areas shall remain closed.
xxix. Cinema halls inside shopping malls shall remain closed.
xxx. 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.
b. Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
c. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
d. A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.
e. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
