Mission Begin Again: Offices in Maharashtra may resume soon

The Maharashtra government on Sunday evening released guidelines for the lockdown 5.0. Termed by the government as ‘Mission begin again,’ the guidelines paved the way for some relaxations in the State while continuing to maintain a state of complete lockdown in the containment zones.

While in the central government’s guidelines for Unlock 1 religious places, malls and hotels are allowed to open from June 8. The government of Maharashtra has, for now, restricted the opening of these activities and is cautious about the exit plan, considering the states high COVID-19 positive numbers.

The State will also continue to monitor the growth of COVID cases in hotspots such as Mumbai, Pune and other cities and look at a phased-out opening of these cities.

In the Chief Minister’s address to State, he mentioned that offices would be allowed to work on 10% staff from June 8. While most people are looking forward to going back to their office and routine, considering the rapid growth of cases in the city, private offices are likely to tread cautiously before beginning to function full-fledged.

Also, according to the guidelines issued by the government on Sunday, thermal testing, use of sanitisers and social distancing is a must. “All employees and visitors at the government offices will be screened by a thermal scanner before entering the premises. All employees will have to wear a 3-ply or surgical mask while working in the office all the time,” stated the state government’s order.

The order also stated that “Windows of the offices will be kept open throughout the day for ventilation. The employee would have to maintain three feet distance from other employees while working.”

Employees are also advised not to touch their nose, eye and mouth and wear masks to avoid infection. There are also instructions for sanitising lift buttons thrice in a day with sodium hypochlorite.

“All other office equipment like printer, scanner, computer, etc. shall be sanitised with an alcohol-based sanitiser,” added the guideline statement.

The phase-wise opening of the lockdown will give us better clarity in the coming days.