Health Ministry issues SOP on preventive measures in markets amid rising COVID-19 cases

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on December 2, 2020, issued a new set of guidelines for market places in order to contain the spread of COVID-19.

As per the guidelines, the market places in containment zones will be closed and only those that are outside the containment zones will be permitted to function.

In the SOP, the government has advised persons above 65 years of age, pregnant women, persons with comorbidities as well as children below the age of 10 to stay at home, except going out for essential and health purposes.

The Ministry also informed that the market associations will be advised accordingly. Employees at higher risk such as pregnant employees, older employees, and employees who have underlying medical problems must be taking extra precautions.

The market associations have been directed that such employees must not be exposed to any front-line work which requires any direct contact with the public.

#Unite2FightCorona

Health Ministry releases SOP on Preventive Measures in Markets to contain the spread of #COVID19.

Read here: https://t.co/kcgRvHJfB9https://t.co/a8LL31xfJz pic.twitter.com/I9mMEL9kIF

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) December 2, 2020

To Promote COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour:

Simple public health measures must be followed in order to reduce the risk of a widespread pandemic. These measures must be observed all the time by establishment owners, workers, and visitors. The measures are:

• Physical distancing must be followed by at least 6 feet as far as possible

• Mandatory use of face masks and covers

• The practice of frequent hand washing with soap even when they are not visibly dirty. Alcohol-based sanitizer must be used outside shops as well as other places whenever possible.

• The practice of covering one’s mouth, nose while sneezing or coughing with tissues or handkerchiefs or flexed elbow must be followed.

• Self-monitoring of health and reporting any form of illness as soon as possible.

• Spitting must be strictly prohibited

• Aarogya Setu App must be advised for all.

To maintain a healthy environment in market places:

Markets are usually crowded in normal times and lack sanitation amenities as well as have poor hygienic conditions. It is significant to create a healthy environment at marketplaces in order to prevent the risk of transmission.

• Before resuming daily activities, all work areas inside the shops must be sanitized carefully by the shop owners.

• Frequently touched surfaces must be cleaned and regularly disinfected. It should be done before the shop is opened, at the end of the day, and at other appropriate times.

• Shop entrance must have the arrangement of mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser).

• Cars repositioned by parking employees, disinfection of handles, steering, keys, etc. must be undertaken by the owner before the car is used again.

• Open spaces and public utility areas must be sanitized with 1 percent Sodium Hypochlorite Solution on a regular basis.

• Deep cleansing of handwashing, toilets, and drinking water stations must be done at least 3-4 times a day.

• The market associations must facilitate to maintain a healthy environment of open spaces and public utility areas through local urban bodies and their own means.