Representational Image. Source: fitness19.com
MHA guidelines call for sanitizing equipment before and after use
BENGALURU:
Ahead of the reopening of gyms and yoga centres across the country, the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have called for managements of these places to ‘make available’ masks, visors and hand sanitisers to members, visitors and staff.
The MoHFW guidelines, issued on Monday, call for disinfectant wipes/disinfecting solutions and disposable paper towels for members/staff to wipe exercise equipment clean before and after use, and ensure availability of pulse oximeters to record oxygen saturation levels of members prior to exercise.
Among the guidelines, sanitizers and thermal screeners should be used at the entrance, and only asymptomatic persons (including staff) wearing face covers/masks should be allowed in.
The guidelines stress a minimum social distance of 6 feet, and staggering of members’ visits. Details of check-in and check-out times of members/visitors must be recorded.
The guidelines suggest sanitising the middle finger with an alcohol swab before using a pulse oximeter. Those having oygen saturation levels below 95% should not be allowed to exercise, and should be referred to a health facility.
All open areas used by staff and visitors like washrooms and toilets, and frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and handles, should be santised.
‘Avoid yoga kriyas’
The guidelines advise that yogic kriyas may be avoided for the time being. In this connection, the MoHFW guidelines refer to the guidelines for yoga practitioners issued by the Ministry of Ayush, available at: https://www.ayush.gov.in/
Referrring to employees, the guidelines say staff residing in containment zones shall not attend the facility till the containment zone is denotified. Housekeeping staff are to be trained on waste management disposal. Older employees, pregnant employees and employees with medical conditions should preferably not be exposed to direct contact with clients.
About the Author
