Face Mask, Thermal Screening Mandatory: Maharashtra Issues Guidelines For Govt Employees At Workplace

Maharashtra government on Sunday (31 May) issued fresh guidelines for its employees working in government offices and made wearing face mask and undergoing thermal screening compulsory, news agency ANI tweeted.

In the detailed guidelines, the state government said, it would strictly check whether the screening is being done or not. All employees coming to work must wear 3 ply mask or surgical mask while working in office, the order stated.

The guidelines have been issued after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday released new guidelines for phased re-opening of all activities outside containment zones for the next one month.

The Maharashtra government order also said, employees needed to maintain at least 3 feet distance in their seating arrangements while working. Windows of the office will be kept open throughout the day for ventilation, the government directed.

The government also advised its employees to not touch their faces to avoid infection, while also directing office managements to undertake proper sanitisation measures at the workplace.

“Employees are advised not to touch their face to avoid infection. Lifts, tables, chairs etc shall be sanitised thrice a day with sodium hypochlorite. All other office equipment like printer, scanner, computer etc shall be sanitised with alcohol-based sanitiser,” news agency ANI tweeted quoting the state government.

The MHA has extended the nationwide lockdown in containment zones till 30 June, along with the phased reopening of various activities in the country.

In Phase I, religious places and places of worship for public; hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services; and shopping malls; will be permitted to open from June 8, 2020. The health ministry will issue SOPs for the above activities in consultation with the relevant authorities.

In Phase II, Schools, colleges, educational/ training/ coaching institutions etc., will be opened after consultations with States and UTs. The governments of States and UTs are also advised to hold consultations with parents and relevant stakeholders.

In Phase III, Movie Theatres, International Air Travel, Metro Rail , Gyms, Public Gathering etc. will be opened based on the situational assessment.