Unlock 5.0: Centre releases COVID-19 workplace guidelines for industrial workers

As nation steps into Unlock-5 phase, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday virtually released a booklet on ‘COVID-19- Safe Workplace Guidelines for Industry' laying down a comprehensive plan for a safe work environment for industrial workers. Centre said that booklet is designed to identify potential risk factors at workplaces to determine appropriate control measures amid pandemic. Labour Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar and NITI Aayog member VK Paul were also present during virtual inauguration.

" guidelines act as comprehensive planning guidance for employers and workers to use it to help identify risk levels of Covid-19 at individual workplace settings in ir premises and to determine appropriate control measures," said Union Health Minister at inauguration.

Labour Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar said that laying down guidelines would t only help spread awareness but also encour industrial workers to resume work. “se guidelines for safety of industrial workers will encour people. It is important to prepare ourselves mentally for present situation and spread awareness about COVID appropriate behaviour," he said.

"It is our responsibility to save workers from COVID-19. y t only work for ir livelihood, but y also work for creation of India. I believe protection from COVID-19 is rocket science, we just need to be a little careful," said Dr Harsh Vardhan on Twitter.

se guidelines consolidate all important measures into a ready reckoner of action points to make workplace safe based on bulwark of infection control measures like respiratory hygiene, frequent hand washing, social distancing and frequent sanitization of workplace, as per an official statement of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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Unlock- 5

Union Home Ministry is set to anunce fifth phase of COVID-19 lockdown relaxations ahead of a long festive season as fourth phase ends on September 30. With industries reeling from COVID-19 response, Unlock 5.0 hold significance as businesses expect a steep surge in consumer demand ahead of festive season. 

Malls, restaurants, salons, and or public places were gradually allowed to operate with certain restrictions but cinema halls and entertainment parks remain shut. Multiplex Association of India has publically appealed to Government of India to reopen cinema halls once again, citing huge financial loss due to lockdown.

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