The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is playing an important role in the fight against COVID 19 pandemic. As the nation observes a phase-wise unlocking of activities, the Ministry is playing an active role in setting up protocols/SOPs for COVID prevention. A recent tweet by the MyGovIndia handle indicated that Skill Training and Higher Education Institutes have to ensure availability and management of supplies. Furthermore, the MoHFW has published an official notice regarding SOPs on preventive measures to be followed by such institutions including those that conduct technical courses involving laboratory work.
MoHFW has issued generic and specific preventive measures which are to be observed as skill/entrepreneurship training institutions and HIEs conducting doctoral and postgraduate programs. The measures have to be implemented by all such institutions that require laboratory work and are likely to resume operations in due course of time (see image above).
Maintaining stock of PPE e.g. masks, visors, hand sanitizers etc.
Institutions have to maintain adequate stock of Personal Protective Items/Equipment. This includes items such as masks, face visors, hand sanitizers, etc. All such items must be made available to academic and non-academic staff as an when required.
Provide adequate supply of thermal guns, wipes etc.
MoHFW has indicated that institutions reopening under provisions of the Government today have to maintain adequate stock and supply of items like thermal guns, alcohol wipes etc. Instead of alcohol wipes, 1% sodium hypochlorite solution can be used. In addition, adequate supply of disposable paper towels, soap and IEC materials on COVID-19 awareness and prevention are also to be maintained.
Monitoring oxygen saturation levels of symptomatic individuals
In case symptomatic individuals are encountered in the premises of skill training institutes and Higher Education Institutes, there must be provisions to monitor their oxygen saturation levels. Adequate supply of pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen saturation levels of such individuals must be maintained by such institutes.
Disposing off used PPE and general waste as per CPCB guidelines
Institutes have to ensure that there are adequate number of covered dustbins available at the premises. It is mandatory to ensure that adequate measures are followed for proper disposal of used PPE items and other general wastes as per CPCB guidelines. Such guidelines are available at the CPBC website i.e. cpcb.nic.in.
Waste management & disposal training for housekeeping staff
In the aim of proper disposal of used items, institutes have to ensure that proper training is provided to housekeeping and other cleaning staff. Waste management strategies must be put in place and the staff must be adequately trained and informed to adhere to such good practices of waste management.
