Maha govt issues preventive guidelines for essential service staff

Mumbai: With some of its employees testing positive for coronavirus, the Maharashtra government on Saturday came out with a circular stressing the importance of social distancing, hygiene, and the wearing of protective gear.

Some government staff involved in the maintenance of essential services in the state have tested positive for the disease, the circular issued by the public health department said.

“Employees should wear masks, hand gloves, and if necessary, aprons, and ensure that soap, water, and hand sanitizers (with at least 60 percent alcohol) are available at workplaces,” it added.

“Wash your hands applying soap and with water for at least 20 seconds before beginning your daily work. Use hand gloves then. Do not touch (your) face, eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid putting hand gloves in pockets,” the circular said.

“The objects which are touched often, such as door handles and taps, should be disinfected every two-three hours with a liquid containing one percent sodium hypochlorite,” it said.

There should be a distance of at least one meter between two employees at the workplace, the circular said.

“Use speaker mode while using a mobile phone. Avoid contact of mobile phone with face whenever possible,” it added.

“Take a bath using soap and water immediately after reaching home if there is no facility to take bath at office or place of duty,” the circular said.

Sanitation, health, and police department officials and staff should use personal protection equipment, it said.

“All officials and staff should not use or handle each other’s mobile phones, handkerchiefs, water bottles, glasses, etc,” the circular said.

“All department heads should ensure supply of the personal protection kit, hand gloves, apron, jacket, masks, soap, and sanitizers as per requirement, it said.