Advisory for Gated Residential Complexes with regards to COVID-19

17th July 2020

Government of India Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Directorate General of Health Services (EMR Division) 

Advisory for Gated Residential Complexes with regards to COVID-19  

1. Background 

Resident Welfare Associations functioning in gated complexes can play an active role in creating awareness about the Covid-19 disease, simple preventive measures that need to be followed, encourage early reporting and inform the community about myths & stigma often encountered by patients, healthcare or other frontline workers. This document outlines the preventive and response measures to be observed to minimize and contain the spread of COVID-19 in gated complexes. 

2. Scope 

The purpose of this document is to advise and guide RWAs/ residential societies in the prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission in gated residential complexes. 

3. Generic preventive measures 

Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years should be encouraged to stay at home only and keep contact with visitors/guests to a minimum. RWAs may advise all members accordingly. 

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 (residents, visitors and staff) in these places at all times. 

These include: 

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

ii. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory. 

iii. 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. 

iv. 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. 

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

vi. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited. 

vii. Installation & use of AarogyaSetu App shall be advised to all. 

4. Specific preventive measures for gated residential complex: 

i. Provisions must be made for display of Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19, common signs and symptoms, need for early reporting and sanitization of premises, etc. prominently outside and inside of the gated complex 

ii. Provisions for hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) should be made available at entry points and in work areas. 

iii. Thermal screening of visitors/staff is to be carried out at entry points and only asymptomatic individuals shall be allowed to enter the premises. Vendors, household helps, car cleaners, delivery personnel etc. will also undergo such screening daily. 

iv. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible at all locations at all times in all common areas, incl. parks, corridors, lift lobbies, gyms, clubs etc. 

v. Large gathering, parties, functions, prayer meetings, etc. shall be avoided. 

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

vii. Seating arrangement, in common areas like parks etc. to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained. 

viii. Number of people in the elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining social distancing norms. 

ix. Frequent sanitization of the common facilities, and all points which come into human contact, e.g. door handles, benches, elevator buttons, electric switches, railings, etc. shall be ensured. 

x. Ensure regular supply of hand sanitisers, soap and running water in the common areas and washrooms, as applicable. 

xi. For air-conditioning/ventilation of common areas, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasizes that the 

(i) temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30oC, 

(ii) relative humidity should be in the range of 40- 70%, 

(iii) recirculation of air to be avoided to the extent possible, 

(iv) intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and 

(v) cross ventilation should be adequate. 

xii. RWAs will encourage all residents to inform them in case any resident reports symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. 

xiii. RWAs will be an important stakeholder in COVID-19 prevention, control and containment activities. RWAs should: 

a. Follow Central Government / State Government advisories for the citizens available on their respective websites and disseminate it further through notice board or the RWA social media / chat groups to the members. 

b. Maintain suitable linkages with nearest health facilities to handle any health contingencies such as any person developing symptoms of COVID-19. 

c. Address myths and misinformation / rumors / fake news on the RWA’s social media by verifying the facts from government sources. 

d. Address COVID-19 related stigmatization. 

e. If feasible, maintain and oversee availability of masks, pulse oximeter, sodium hypochlorite solution, soaps & water supply in common areas, OTC drugs like paracetamol, ORS etc. 

f. The RWAs / residential societies desirous of setting up Covid Care Facility can plan such facilities as per the detailed guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This shall only be made operational if the required guidelines and standards are met and shall be continued as per the direction issued by the local health authorities / RRTs. 

5. Measures to be taken on occurrence of case(s) 

i. RWA shall encourage residents to self-report symptoms and facilitate their testing, isolation and quarantine of contacts. 

ii. Provide counselling, guidance and support to COVID-19 affected individuals and families. Special attention is required in such households which have no family member to take care of the dependants. 

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

iv. If a decision is taken by the public health authority for home quarantine of contacts/ home isolation of patient, RWA shall facilitate those under home quarantine / home isolation to remain within their homes. 

v. Provide social support and avoid stigmatization of those under home quarantine / isolation. 

6. Actions to be undertaken if gated complex is declared as part of a containment zone 

If the gated complex is declared as a containment zone, the RWAs will cooperate with the local health authorities in carrying out various activities as stipulated in the containment plan such as: 

i. Facilitate house-to-house search by healthcare workers. 

ii. Facilitate identification elderly / co-morbid patients residing within the complex and help monitor their health. 

iii. Ensure that all houses are covered under daily surveillance. 

iv. Shift the suspect to nearest Covid treatment facility 

v. Facilitate that all residents remain at home and shall only come out for meeting essential requirements. 

vi. Create awareness among the habitants on public health measures such as hand washing/ respiratory hygiene / disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, etc. 

vii. RWA / societies should provide volunteers to support residents for maintaining essential services

Historic Jallianwala Bagh Gets Facelift with 80% Redevelopment Done

Historic Jallianwala Bagh near the Golden Temple has finally got a facelift with 80% of the redevelopment project completed. Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the massacre on April 13, 1919, the Union culture and tourism ministry is executing the project to transform the historical monument at a cost of Rs 20 crore. Work started last year.

      Preserved bullet marks at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.

A group of media persons got a preview of the work completed till now with the garden being opened for them. The facility is otherwise closed for the public.

The garden has acquired a new look and has been given a modern, contemporary feel. Newly-constructed slopes under the landscaping on both sides of the stretch that leads to the flame-shaped memorial of those killed in the massacre, enhances its solemn grace. The Amar Jyoti has been relocated.

 Member of Parliament Shwait Malik inspects the renovation work at the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar

Rajya Sabha member and Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust member Shwait Malik had arranged the preview. Though the bullet marks have been preserved properly, the “Shaheedi Khu” (Martyrs’ Well) and the historic narrow street leading to its entrance have been modernised totally, amid controversy with some social activists claiming that the heritage character of the monument was being destroyed in the name of giving a facelift. The well has been plastered and painted from the inside. Glass has been fitted on the windows of the new see-through canopy built on it.

Pertinently, the narrow street which was used by the British troops to enter the premises to fire at the Indians, who had gathered there peacefully, and carries heritage value, has been given a new design with sculptures depicting ordinary men and women of that age on newly-plastered walls of both sides.

The galleries depicting the history of the massacre and other episodes of Indian freedom struggle are ready. Speakers for light and sound show have been installed.  Rest of the work will be finished within two months and the memorial will be thrown open for public soon.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/jallianwala-bagh-gets-facelift-with-80-redevelopment-done/story-ar6r4Ib6ov3ca8Z1tyZrRN.html

Montreal Sikh Community Makes a Sizeable Donation ( $6,500 ) to Lakeshore General Hospital during the COVID-19 Crisis

The Montreal Sikh community was determined to give back during the COVID-19 crisis.

On Friday, they did just that with a generous $6,500 donation that will make life easier for front-line workers at Lakeshore General Hospital.

The donation will make it safer for surgeons at the hospital to do their work.

“It was important for us to figure out how we could contribute and what we would be able to do. We found that very quickly — collaborating with the hospitals would be the best way to move forward,” said Taran Singh, a spokesperson for Montreal’s Sikh community.

The donation was hand-delivered Friday morning by members of the Sikh community.

          Lakeshore General Hospital,Montreal,Canada

The hospital’s foundation says the money will be used to buy a high-performance filtration unit to create a negative-pressure isolation room for the ENT (Ear Nose Throat) department.

“This device will help filter the aerosols from the air to prevent health-care workers from getting sick that are helping patients,” said Dr. Rickul Varshney, surgeon.

Lakeshore General Hospital says that this donation will help them become the best hospital it can be.

“We’re so appreciative that everyone has come together with their generosity and allowing us to make this step forward with our community,” Heather Holmes, director of the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation, told Global News.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/wellness/montreal-sikh-community-makes-a-sizeable-donation-to-lakeshore-general-hospital/ar-BB16SY1w

COVID-19: Wear Masks,Stay Indoors,Follow Good Hygiene----TAKE CARE

COVID-19 cases cross the 10 lakh mark in India with the highest single-day spike of 34,956 cases, and 687 deaths.

‪We are now at third place in the world!!! The responsibility to break this chain lies not just on Government but also on people. Wear Mask. Stay indoors and please follow good hygiene .

DSGMC :Launch of 12 Free Ambulances to Ferry Covid Patients Across Delhi in 5 Zones By DSGMC

How the Containment Zones in Delhi are moving in the opposite direction?

Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, CM, Delhi,

Dear Sir,

As per Delhi Government Health Bulletins, the Coronavirus positive cases are now on a decreasing note, which is a very good sign for the National Capital, BUT, the Containment Zones, on the other hand, are moving in the opposite direction, which is a very serious cause of concern for the Delhiites. 

Shockingly, the Containment Zones in Delhi have risen by 200 in the last 5-6 days itself. The figure for the 8th of July was 458. It rose to 563 on 9th July, 633 on 10th July, 639 on 11th July, 652 on 12th July & 658 on the 13th of July.

Definitely, it has created some doubts allover. The foremost is about the figures depicting the New Positive cases. Why there is more dependence on the Antigen tests in Delhi, instead of the RT-PCR?

The Negatives of the Antigen testing must be reconfirmed by the RT-PCR test, but it's not being done. Moreover, the positives of the Antigen tests are not being displayed anywhere. 

Why the RT-PCR tests on the 13th of July were only 3860 in the National Capital? The figures showing the Total tests on the 12th of July were 789853 while the same for the 13th of July with a star mark was 692845. 

Total hospitalized patients are 6601 while those under the Home isolation are 11170. The total does not match with the Total active cases of 19017, after deducting the Deaths of the day.

Please look into these issues & increase the number of RT-PCR tests to save Delhi from coronavirus.

Best regards,

B S Vohra
President,
East Delhi RWAs Joint Front
RWA Bhagidari Network
www.RWABhagidari.com

COVID-19 Guidelines on Staying Safe, Being Informed and Living Healthy.

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Entire Amritsar can feed on langar, my sense of hunger comes from New York: Watch how casual racism of BBC was exposed by chef Vikas Khanna

In an interview with the BBC, Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna sharply corrected the anchor who conjectured that the chef’s generosity of feeding homeless and destitute in India amidst coronavirus lockdown was triggered by his own sense of hunger while he grew up in India.

“Therefore my sense of hunger came from New York when I was living in Grand Central and sleeping around. It came from the United States, not from India,” Khanna emphatically added.

chef Vikas Khanna 

“You have been famous now. You have cooked for Obamas, you have been on Gordon Ramsay’s show. But, you were not always like this. You are not from a rich family so I dare say you understand how precarious it can be in India,” the BBC anchor said imperiously.

However, Khanna, with his cool demeanour, tersely dispelled the unfounded notions held by the BBC anchor.“My sense of hunger did not come from India so much because I was raised in

Amritsar and we have a huge community kitchen where everyone gets fed. The entire city can be fed from the community kitchen,” Khanna said while referring to the pervasive langars in the city that provide food to people.

Vikas Khanna's reply to BBC anchor wins the internet

He further added that his sense of hunger came from the sprawling American city of New York during his struggling days. “My sense of hunger came from New York, when I was struggling and really at the bottom. It was difficult for a brown kid to rise through, someone who had a dream of winning the Michelin star,” he said.

Vikas Khanna helps migrant labourers and poor with cooked meals

The stark images of migrant labourers trudging on their foot empty stomach to their native places across the breadth of India moved the celebrity chef into launching an initiative for those who had been adversely affected by the coronavirus induced lockdown in the country.

Khanna wanted to express his solidarity with those who were going hungry during the lockdown in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. So he put out an appeal on social media for those who were in the need of food during the pandemic and within no time, he received a flurry of responses on social media requesting food for the needy.

As of June 3, Khanna had supported the distribution of sanitary napkins in Diamond Harbour, West Bengal and bankrolled 57 food stations within petrol pumps in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to offer cooked meals to migrant workers hoofing it towards their respective villages. Till June 3, he had approximately distributed 

https://www.opindia.com/2020/06/michelin-star-chef-vikas-kapoor-busts-casual-racism-bbc-anchor-watch/