Shops, industries, offices and commercial establishments are slowly raising shutters. The economy has endured a major setback due to the coronavirus pandemic crisis, and slowly but steadily it’s time to get going.
While organizations are still encouraging the majority of their employees to work-from-home, not every kind of work can be done in isolation within the confines of home. With the epidemic showing no signs of receding and neither a vaccine nor a proven cure in sight, organizations are finding ways to get work going while ensuring that their employees stay safe. Jobs that call for physical presence of the individual, are being managed with roster systems. Days and shifts are scheduled to ensure that all necessary duties or tasks are taken care of with minimum possible employees.
With organizations moving towards partial unlocking, how can employees ensure their safety while travelling to-and-from work and at their workplace? Here are tips and guidelines issued by WHO and GoI Ministry of Health & Family Welfare that can help:
- Meet and greet people without making physical contact.
- Maintain a distance of six feet at all times.
- Wear a mask at all times. Homemade fabric masks should be used. Medical or surgical masks are recommended for healthcare workers, people living in close proximity with a Covid patient, people above 60 years of age and those with underlying health concerns.
- Wearing the mask correctly is important. The mask should neither be tight nor loose. It should be worn such that it covers the mouth and nose and fits neatly under the chin.
- Practice frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 40-60 seconds. When on the move, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth unnecessarily.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like your desk, telephone, keyboard etc.
- Strictly follow respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/ flexed elbow and dispose of used tissues properly.
- Do not chew tobacco, khaini etc. or spit in public places.
- In case of even the mildest symptoms like cold, cough or low-grade fever, stay at home and take medications.
- Do not panic or stress over the situation. Also do not believe or forward any unauthentic information. Call the national toll-free number – 1075 or the state helpline numbers in case of any queries or concerns.
- Stay updated by downloading the Aarogya Setu app on your phone.
In such a crisis, the most important responsibility of every citizen is to keep oneself safe. One person infected can spread it around to others too. So abide by the rules, practice all forms of safety and do not venture out unnecessarily.
