Lockdown rules: guidelines for workplaces

As India entered the second phase of lockdown, there are some new coronavirus lockdown rules in place, especially for the workplace. During this second phase, the centre has issued new guidelines for workplaces. Certain sectors have been asked to work with up to 50 per cent strength, which are IT, IT-enabled services, couriers, hotels, homestays, and e-commerce companies. Self-employed individuals such as electricians, plumbers, mechanics, carpenters, and IT repair agents can also begin to work from April 20.
With social distancing rules still in mind, workplaces are going to make extra arrangements so as to screen the temperature of employees. Additionally, sanitizers should also be provided in all workplaces.

The rules dictate that workers who are coming from outside need to get special transportation, which means that they should not rely on public transportation. Also, such vehicles must only run on 30 to 40 percent passenger capacity. All such vehicles and machinery that are entering office premises need to get disinfected. Importantly, people above 65, and parents with children below 5 can work from home.

As mentioned above, social distancing norms must be practised, which means there are rules for employees within office premises. There must be a gap of one hour between two shifts, and offices need to get sanitized during that gap. There must be at least 6 ft of gap between two employees sitting side by side at work. Employees should conduct themselves appropriately even during lunch breaks, and social distancing must be followed during this time as well. Lifts will not ferry more than four persons at one time.

Official meetings with ten or more employees are prohibited during the lockdown period. The use of gutka, tobacco, etc are strictly prohibited, so is spitting. Moreover, non-essential visitors are now banned from office premises; and employees are expected to use the Arogya Setu app.