Guidelines on preventive measures in workplace settings – MoH&FW
18th May, 2020
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Directorate General of Health Services
(EMR Division)
Guidelines on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in workplace
settings
1. Background
Offices and other workplaces are relatively close setting, with shared spaces like (corridors, elevators & stairs, parking places, cafeteria, meeting rooms and conference halls etc.) and thus COVID-19 infection can spread relatively fast among officials, staffs and visitors.
Thus there is a need to prevent importation of infection in workplace settings and to respond in a timely and effective manner in case suspect case of COVID-19 is detected in these settings, so as to limit the spread of infection.
2. Scope
This document outlines the preventive and response measures to be observed to contain the spread of COVID-19 in workplace settings. The document is divided into the following sub¬sections
(i) basic preventive measures to be followed at all times
(ii) measures specific to offices
(iii) measures to be taken on occurrence of case(s)
(iv) disinfection procedures to be implemented in case of occurrence of suspect/confirmed case.
3. Basic preventive measures
The basic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of infection with COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (employees and visitors) at all times. These include:
i. Physical distancing of at least one meter to be followed at all times.
ii. Use of face covers/masks to be mandatory.
iii. Practice frequent hand washing (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty and use of alcohol based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds).
iv. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
v. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest