Kohima, April 13 (MExN): The State Department of Health & Family Welfare on Monday issued an advisory with regard to maintaining safe environment at the work place.
The advisory which is an addition to the Standard Operating Procedure on disinfection of common public places including offices issued by the Government of India was issued through the DIPR.
It advised that no hospital based personnel are to enter the office premises and should instead “leverage electronic means of communications including webinar,” in lieu of physical visits.
All working places and work stations especially frequently touched surfaces should be sanitized with 1% sodium hypochloride solutions at least 2-3 times and whenever required, it said.
The advisory also suggested frequent hand washing with soap and water as well as with hand sanitizers where hand washing facilities are not available and advised against shaking hands and touching the eyes, nose and mouth. Practice respiratory hygiene by using handkerchief while coughing & sneezing and avoid random spitting, it stated, while adding that contaminated items such as used masks, tissue papers etc should be disposed off safely.
Further, it pointed out that not everyone needs to wear masks unless he/she has symptoms (cough, fever or difficulty in breathing), are caring for a COVID-19 suspect/confirmed patient, are a health-worker in the health centre, or need to go to crowded places.
Non-essential travels, crowded places, social gatherings etc have been discouraged.
Adopt healthy lifestyle- proper diet, adequate sleep, exercise, the advisory stated while suggesting the use of electronic means to contact other family and friends instead of social physical visits. Avoid smoking, consumption of alcohol and other addictive substances, it added.
