Stay safe, wear a mask! Lucknow DM issues guidelines to combat COVID-19

India is yet again experiencing a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 infections. As of Wednesday, there were 1,791 active cases in Uttar Pradesh, with 446 new cases reported statewide. Among all the districts in the state, Lucknow reported the highest number of daily cases (97).

In an effort to curb the alarming rise of COVID-19 infections, the Lucknow district magistrate, Suryapal Gangwar, has issued a set of preventive guidelines for the general public.

It is strongly recommended that individuals follow all of these measures in order to safeguard themselves against the potential risks posed by the virus.

Strict guidelines which have been issued for the public

• It is strongly advised that people adhere strictly to all COVID-related protocols currently in place. Specifically, individuals are instructed to maintain appropriate social distancing measures and avoid gathering in densely populated areas.

• Moreover, in situations where distancing is not possible, it is recommended that individuals wear masks and make frequent use of sanitizing agents.

• People with chronic diseases and ailments are strictly advised to wear masks at all times when outdoors and completely avoid going to crowded places. Similar instructions also apply to elderly people, pregnant women and children below 16 years of age.

• Individuals are advised to refrain from direct contact with any indoor surfaces upon entering and to thoroughly wash their hands as a precautionary measure.

• If someone has any symptoms associated with COVID, complete isolation is advised while notifying the health authorities.

• It is recommended to abstain from physical contacts such as handshaking and direct contact with other individuals.

Additionally, in case of potential exposure to an infected individual or manifestation of COVID-19 symptoms, it is advisable to contact the COVID command center at 0522 4523000.

Guidelines have also been issued for schools, colleges, malls/cinema halls and workplaces

According to the guidelines for schools, colleges, hospitals, offices, railway stations, cinema halls, malls, bus stations etc., individuals who are not wearing masks should not be permitted to enter the premises and social distancing measures must be followed inside the premises.

Instructions for schools and colleges:

• It is necessary to provide hand washing soap and water or hand sanitizer on the campus and to regularly sanitize frequently-touched surfaces such as doors, railings, swings etc.

• If any child/student/teacher is suffering from cough, cold, cold, fever or any other symptom associated with COVID-19, they should not be allowed to attend school/college and be given immediate medical advice and treatment.

• Alongside following all the COVID-19 protocols, thermal scanning should be arranged at the entrance of the institutions.

Instructions for workplaces:

• To prevent the spread of infection and maintain hygiene, it is essential to regularly clean and sanitize the entire premises following a routine schedule.

• Alongside following all the COVID-19 protocols, thermal scanning should be arranged at the entrance of the workplaces.

• If any individual is suffering from cough, cold, cold, fever or any other symptom associated with COVID-19, they should not be allowed to attend office and should be quarantined while seeking immediate medical advice and treatment.

Instructions for medical facilities/hospitals

• Hospital authorities should arrange for routine sanitization of common areas including staircases, lifts, parking areas, doors etc.

• Appropriate social distancing should be maintained in the queues at billing counters, admission desks, medicine counters etc.

• Thermal scanning should be arranged at the entrances.

• Fever help desk and Covid help desk should be established while Covid test should be done for symptomatic patients.