BBMP allows gyms, sports facilities in apartment complexes to function, but swimming pools to remain shut
Gaurav Gupta seeks ’30-day cooperation’ from Bengalureans to reduce transmission of Covid-19
BENGALURU:
As Bengaluru city ‘unlocked’ on Monday, BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta sought a ’30-day cooperation’ from Bengalureans to reduce the transmission of Covid-19. As part of this outreach to citizens, he has imposed restrictions on the use of gymnasiums, sports facilities, swimming pools, recreational and club facilities till further orders.
In a three-page advisory issued to RWAs, Gupta said, “Covid-19 presents as a mild disease in a majority of cases and it is only the spread of disease that is a matter of concern for public health. Support and cooperation from your side is highly necessary for the next 30 days and this would reduce the transmission of the infection in the community.”
The Chief Commissioner has extended the restriction on large gatherings in apartment premises till further orders.
Sanitising mantra
“The common area floor, railings, surfaces, etc., likely to be touched by residents to be cleaned using sodium hypochlorite, bleaching powder or any effective disinfectant for maintaining the highest level of sanitation and hygiene,” the advisory says, and adds, “Care and attention need to be given to housekeeping staff and ensure providing them with necessary soap/sanitiser/liquid soap dispenser for periodic handwashing.”
Also Read: Gyms in Bengaluru parks off limits to public https://thebengalurulive.com/gyms-in-bengaluru-parks-off-limits-to-public/
The advisory goes on to say, “Common areas like walkways and parks used for walking or jogging can be used subject to the strict maintenance of social distancing (1 metre). These places should not get converted into socializing points, defeating the purpose of the preventive measures put in place.”
Gupta’s order maintains, “Gymnasiums, sports facilities, swimming pools, recreational and club facilities cannot be opened until further orders.”
Other guidelines are as follows:
- Lifts are closed spaces and a potential source of infection to others.
a. RWAs should sanitise lift surfaces periodically.
b. Sanitise the lift operating buttons regularly.
c. People using the lift to wash hands using soap water or hand sanitiser after every use.
d. Do not touch eyes or nose or face after touching these surfaces without washing hands. - Associations and societies should not heed rumours creating panic in the community and instead inform the health authorities for necessary action.
- In case we detect a positive case in your locality, a ‘Containment Plan’ will be put in place
for which your cooperation would be required by the health authorities. - Informative, Educative and Communicative material approved by the government shall be made available in soft copies, which can be printed and displayed in the premises to create awareness (don’t print flex banners).
- It shall be the duty of the Resident Welfare Association (RWA)/Society to ensure that all those people who have been advised home quarantine stay indoors and do not move around in community spaces or in the city. Any breach of quarantine can cause uncontrolled spread of the infection in the entire community.
Instructions to all residents:
- If any resident or his/her family members has undertaken any travel in the last 14 days, they need to be aware of the following:
- To immediately provide your details to helpline 104. These details will be kept confidential.
- If you develop symptoms of acute respiratory illness like fever, cough, running nose, difficulty in breathing, please call the 104 helpline. Further assistance for testing and arrangement for further care will be provided by the Health Department at identified hospitals, and the patient will be transported by an ambulance. Please use a mask as per the guidelines.
- Details of all persons who had close contact with the suspected case shall be shared with the Health Department.
Taking care of children
- Discourage kids from playing outside in groups.
- Parents are requested to engage children in indoor creative activities.
- Educate kids on social distancing, cough etiquette and hand hygiene to prevent spread of illness to others in the community as well as to inculcate healthy practices in children.
- Nutrition plays an important role in the development of Immunity and ability to fight diseases, in view of which it is advised to provide homemade food to children.
- Travelling to distant places must be avoided and undertaken only if necessary.
Mass gatherings
- Mass gatherings are the ideal place for the spread of the infection and it becomes very difficult to identify the source of infection in such a large gathering. You are advised to avoid such gatherings.
- Do not organize/ attend birthday parties, kitty parties, social meetings, etc. and put at risk the health of your friends and family.
Vulnerable sections
*Elderly people in the house (above 60 years), patients suffering from cancer, severe diabetes, people with weak immune systems should be encouraged to stay indoors and take adequate precautions like handwashing, avoiding crowded places, taking their medicines regularly and consuming nutritious food.
Vaccination
- All the residents in apartments should be encouraged to get vaccinated fully.
- The housekeeping and security staff working in the apartment/residential complex
should be encouraged to get vaccinated fully. - The RWA should facilitate the vaccination of the residents, housekeeping and security staff.
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