Large meetings with 10 or more people will also be prohibited, according to the guidelines.
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COVID-19 CASES
WorldIndiaConfirmed11,439Deaths377Confirmed1,976,192Deaths125,985The Centre today gave locked down India its first glimpse of what going back to work may look like once restrictions are lifted. In a detailed release, the government essentially announced the rulebook India must follow in the next 20 days.
The next one week will be crucial for India’s Covid fight, with rules getting stricter and enforcement harsher.
In an address to the nation, Modi announced yesterday that phase 2 of the lockdown will see parts of the country slowly getting back to business in a phased manner.
After April 20th, based on state performances, the Centre will allow some areas to slowly open up and resume activity.
Even if an area is deemed clear by the Centre, only some commercial establishments will be allowed to resume work, according to the guidelines issued. Print and electronic media including broadcasting, DTH and cable services will be allowed to function.
IT and IT enabled services can resume operations as well, but only with up to 50% of total workforce strength. Data and call centres will be allowed for government activities only. E-commerce companies will also be allowed to resume business, with vehicles used by such operators subject to additional permissions.
The new work-place normal
Permitted workplaces will need to work in shifts, with an hour-long gap between them to allow sanitisation of work spaces. Staggered lunch breaks and strict social distancing norms will apply, even during business meetings. Employees must sit at least 6 feet apart.
Large meetings with 10 or more people will also be prohibited, according to the guidelines.
People over the age of 65 years, people with co-morbidities, and parents of children below 5 years of age will still be encouraged to work from home.
Temperature screening will be mandatory for anyone entering the premises and sanitizers must be provided in the buildings.
For staff dependent on public transport, special transportation will need to be arranged by the office. Office vehicles will be allowed to ply with only 30-40% of passenger capacity.
Non-essential visitors will be banned from office premises during this time, and a list of Covid care facilities in the vicinity need to be available on-site for emergencies.
Source: indiatimes.com
