The imposition of fines for not wearing masks or not following physical distancing, opening markets on alternate days and closing them if a large number of coronavirus cases are reported, are some of the measures recommended by the Center to ensure compliance with appropriate COVID behavior in the markets.
Standard operating procedures for markets issued by the Union Ministry of Health on Monday to contain the spread of coronavirus infection, established that online food reservation and home delivery of food should be encouraged, while incentives or discounts for those who shop during off-peak hours can be encouraged. considered.
The SOPs noted that markets in the containment zones will remain closed. Store owners and employees living in buffer zones will not be able to enter markets, he said.
Under the SOPs, the appropriate behavior of COVID in the markets can be regulated by market associations through a number of measures, including the creation of a sub-committee for each market to facilitate and monitor the implementation of such behavior in the markets.
He also suggested establishing mask dispensing kiosks at government-approved rates at market entry points and parking lots, establishing hand washing stations in utility areas, and recommending the use of stand-up taps and non-contact soap dispensers.
It also sought to provide mass thermal protection provisions at points of entry and access to the market, the acquisition of heat guns, disinfectants, disinfectants for disinfection of utility areas, and the placement of IEC materials and signage regarding appropriate COVID behavior. in prominent places. “When the self-regulatory approach fails or lacks impact, planning will also involve taking enforcement action, where necessary. This may include imposing fines / penalties on defaulters for not wearing a mask / face shield, or for not following physical distancing rules. “Explore the option of allowing markets / stores to open on alternate days and closing markets in the event that a greater number of cases are reported that the administration determines to have epidemiological links with the market,” indicated the SOPs.
The ministry said the markets are visited by a large number of people. With the gradual opening of economic activities, markets are experiencing a big step, he said. “Such large gatherings, without the observance of appropriate Covid-19 behavior, have the potential to spread the coronavirus infection,” the SOP document stated.
He also suggested strategies that can be devised by law enforcement agencies in collaboration with market associations to manage the crowd, such as involving civil defense volunteers, home guards and volunteers to regulate the crowd, access control in parking lots. to limit vehicle entry and explore the staggered time of shops and utilities, allowing them to stay open longer.
“The density of the public does not remain the same everywhere. It usually peaks during weeknight hours. On weekends and holidays, the markets are crowded most of the day until late at night. Planning must specifically take into account the requirements for these peak days / hours, ”the document noted.
According to the guidelines, at the stores entry point, all employees and visitors are required to undergo mandatory hand hygiene and thermal screening and only asymptomatic employees and visitors should be allowed to enter stores, while a cover face mask or mask must be worn indoors at all times. and outside the stores.
To prevent the risk of transmission of the coronavirus, it is crucial that a healthy environment is maintained in the markets, the SOPs said, recommending disinfection by store owners before resuming daily activities.
Market associations shall facilitate the maintenance of the healthy environment of public service areas and open spaces by their own means and through local urban agencies and civic agencies.
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