Nearly 300 workers of diamond units in Gujarat’s Surat city have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 10 days, following which fresh restrictions have been imposed on the industry’s operations, an official said on Monday.
As part of the new curbs, three main diamond trading markets will remain shut twice a week, while canteens of all the diamond polishing units will remain closed on all days to contain the spread of the virus. “In the last 10 days, nearly 300 workers of diamond units in the city have tested positive for COVID-19,” Surat Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani said.
Unanimous decision
Representatives of the Surat Diamond Association held a meeting with the civic chief on Monday and unanimously agreed to keep the three main diamomd trading hubs in Mahidharpura, Mini Bazar and Choksi Bazar shut on Saturdays and Sundays till the situation improves, Mr. Pani told reporters after the meeting.
“If one COVID-19 case emerges in any unit, then that particular floor or section will be shut for a week. If three COVID-19 cases emerge, then the entire unit or factory will be shut for one week. The diamond units have also been asked to close their canteen facilities to minimise human-to-human contact,” he said.
Working in shifts
The diamond polishing units have also been asked to ensure proper ventilation on their premises for the staff, the official said. To reduce congestion and contact between employees, the units have been asked to either call workers in shifts every day or on alternate days, said Mr. Pani.
“The diamond association also gave an assurance that all diamond packets will be sanitised to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Joint teams of the Surat Diamond Association and the municipal corporation will conduct an inspection to make sure the new guidelines are strictly followed,” he added.
