Meghalaya issues protocols for opening of Dhabas/tea stalls along the National Highway

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 8, 2020

The State Government has issued protocols for the opening of Dhabas/tea stalls along the National Highway in Meghalaya.

The protocols issued by Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya Health & Family Welfare Department Sampath Kumar on Monday said that with the current COVID-19 outbreak in Meghalaya, it is important that tea stalls/dhabas/food outlets along the National Highway take suitable measures to restrict any further transmission of the virus while delivering services.

Given below are various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be ensured at particular places to prevent spread of COVID-19. Tea stalls/dhabas/food outlets in containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.

The generic measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

These measures need to be observed by all (staff and patrons) in these places at all times:

I. Maintaining log books for recording the details of every person entering the premises.

II. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.

Ill. It is advised to not speak while eating.

IV. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory. It is advisable to always wear a mask while talking to another person.

V. Practice frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be made wherever feasible.

VI. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.

VII. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.

VIII. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.

IX. Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all.

All tea stalls/Dhabas/Restaurants shall ensure the following arrangements:

• Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser and hand washing area).

• Only asymptomatic staff and patrons shall be allowed.

• All staff and patrons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks. The face cover/masks has to be worn at all times inside the premise.

• Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.

• Staggering of people to be done, if possible.

 • Adequate manpower shall be deployed by restaurant management for ensuring social distancing norms.

• Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises — duly following social distancing norms shall be ensured.

• Additional patrons to be seated in a designated waiting area with norms of social distancing.

• Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.

• Required precautions while handling supplies, inventories and goods in the premise shall be ensured. Proper queue management and disinfection shall be organized.

• Maintaining physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, when queuing up for entry as far as feasible.

• Seating arrangement to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained. Not more than 50% of seating capacity to be permitted.

• Disposable menus are advised to be used in case the outlet has a menu card.

• Use of good quality disposable paper napkins to be encouraged.

• Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, buttons, hand rails, benches, washroom, etc.) to be made mandatory in all guest service area and common areas.

• Proper disposal of face covers / masks / gloves left over by patrons and/or staff should be ensured.

• Deep cleaning of all washrooms shall be ensured at regular intervals.

• Staff should wear mask and hand gloves and take other required precautionary measures.

• Tables to be sanitized each time customer leaves.

• In the kitchen, the staff should follow social distancing norms at work place and wear masks. Kitchen area must be sanitized at regular intervals.

In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises:

a. Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.

b. Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.

c. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.

d. A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.

e. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.