Since the start of the lockdown, residents of apartment complexes have been issuing their own guidelines to protect themselves from being infected by the virus. Now, citizens can follow uniform guidelines with the government on Saturday issuing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to residents’ welfare associations.
Parcels and deliveries, including newspapers, should be received at the gate. Residents can walk in common areas and parks, but have to maintain a one-metre distance from each other. Children should be discouraged from playing outside in groups.
The SOP issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, however, states that no visitors should be allowed.
While people can use common areas as long as they maintain physical distance from each other, the circular categorically states that they should not be converted into “socialising points”. Summer camps and outdoor games as well as mass gatherings for parties within the building premises is not allowed. CCTV cameras can be used for surveillance to ensure that people maintain physical distance.
The department also places the onus on RWAs to ensure that people who have been advised home quarantine remain indoors . “If anyone breaches home quarantine, his/her information should be given to the local health authorities,” said the circular.
Some of the other precautions specified include ensuring that the lifts and railings in common areas are disinfected frequently. All the drivers and helpers should be screened on entry and provided with masks, gloves and sanitisers.
The circular also asks residents to avoid stigma and discrimination and asks them to be compassionate and be aware of the health condition of the neighbours and provide help if required. All of them have to mandatorily wear face masks when they venture out of their homes.
Those above 60 years should strictly stay indoors and a caregiver in the family, a volunteer or the police should help the elderly by providing them with essential supplies and keep a watch on their well-being.
A detailed action plan has been chalked out if someone from the community is tested positive or is a suspected COVID 19 patient. The RWAs have been asked to identify a nodal person who can coordinate COVID 19 related activities in the premises with the health department.
