New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released fresh Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for marketplaces amid the COVID-19 pandemic detailing generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
These guidelines shall be applicable to both retail and wholesale markets.
As per the new SOP, marketplaces and shopping malls in containment zones shall continue to remain closed, only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
Meanwhile, gaming arcades, children play areas, and cinema halls inside shopping malls shall continue to remain closed.
The SOPs detailed that physical distancing of at least 6 feet is to be followed as far as feasible in the marketplaces, while the use and face masks, frequent hand washing, respiratory etiquettes, and self-monitoring need to be followed as per usual.
Entrance to the markets need to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions, allowing only asymptomatic customers/visitors shall be allowed.
Additionally, the Ministry has advised persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes.
It also advised shop employees under high-risk categories to take extra precautions and stay away from any work involving direct contact with the public.
The Health Ministry said it will be contacting Market Owners Associations for the implementation of the advisory.
-CHK
