The Union health ministry has issued further health advisories even as the number of coronavirus patients in the country touched 114.
According to the fresh guidelines, the compulsory quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days has been expanded to passengers coming from/transiting through UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. This will come into effect from March 18.
Travel of passengers from member countries of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, Turkey and United Kingdom to India is prohibited with effect from March 18, the advisory noted. No airline shall board a passenger from these nations to India with effect from March 18 and the airlines have been asked to enforce this at the port of initial departure.
The ministry said these instructions are temporary measures and shall be in force till March 31.
The ministry has also issued a 15-point social distancing measure advisory, suggesting the steps to be taken to avoid/decrease contact between those who are infected with the disease causing pathogen and those who are not, so as to stop or slow down the rate and extent of disease transmission in a community, leading to eventual decease of spread, morbidity and mortality due to the disease. These measures shall be in force till March 31.
The proposed interventions include
Closure of all educational establishments (schools, universities etc.), gyms, museums, cultural and social centres, swimming polls and theatres. Students should be advised to stay at home. Online education to be promoted.
Possibility of postponing exams may be explored. Ongoing exams to be conducted only after ensuring physical distance of one metre amongst students.
Encourage private sector organisations/employers to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible.
Meetings, as far as feasible, shall be done through video conference. Minimise or reschedule meetings involving large number of people unless necessary.
Restaurants to ensure hand-washing protocol and proper cleanliness of frequently touched surfaces. Ensure physical distancing (minimum one metre) between tables, encourage open air seating where practical with adequate distancing.
Keep already planned weddings to a limited gathering, postpone all non-essential social and cultural gatherings.
Local authorities to have a dialogue with organisers of sporting events and competitions involving large gatherings and they may be advised to postpone such events.
Local authorities to have a dialogue with opinion leaders and religious leaders to regulate mass gatherings ad should ensure no overcrowding
Local authorities to have meeting with traders associations and other stakeholders to regulate hours, exhibit Do's and Don'ts and take up communication drive in marker places, bus depots, railway stations, post-offices etc. where essential services are provided.
All commercial activities must keep a distance of one metre between customers. Measures to reduce peak hour crowding in markets.
Non-essential travel should be avoided, Buses, trains and aeroplanes to maximize social distancing in public transport besides ensuring regular and proper disinfection of surfaces.
Hospitals to follow necessary protocol related with COVID-19 management as prescribed and restrict family/friends/children visiting patients in hospital
Hygiene and physical distancing has to be maintained. Shaking hands and hugging as a matter of greeting to be avoided.
Special protective measures for delivery men/women working online orderings services.Keep communities informed consistently and constantly.
