Reviving the district economy - A guideline
#14 - Part I : Construction, Manufacturing and Transport
Our strategy for District Magistrates in India: COVID-19 is a war only Districts can fight.
The economy has taken a massive hit due to the lock down. Opening up is an eventuality that we have to prepare for.
The city of Dubai has come up with a plan of action for opening up their economy. We have modified these plans to suit the Indian conditions better, and urge you to use them as you prepare for opening up.
1. Construction sites :
Constructions sites can easily become hot spots for infections. It is of utmost importance that the workers are protected against COVID.
Arrangements to be made for construction workers :
IR Thermometers to screen workers when they leave and enter the site.
PPEs must be made mandatory for all workers - gloves, glasses and masks.
Avoid crowding in lifts, offices and rest areas.
Various locations on site should have sterilisation kiosks for tools and materials.
Delivery and transport of materials :
Drivers should not leave the trucks while off loading if they do not have PPEs.
Off loading should be done by construction workers only.
Waste disposal :
Arrange for sufficient number of waste bins.
Loading the waste material should be done by workers only.
If a worker is found to be symptomatic :
The public health department should be informed immediately.
Isolation tents/rooms should be set up on the site for workers.
2. Manufacturing industries :
Factory sanitisation :
All common areas like lunch rooms and wash rooms should be sanitised every 2-3 hours.
Government support should be provided for small and medium factories that can not afford sanitisation.
All employees should be provided with hand sanitisers and masks.
Entrance health check :
IR thermometers for screening all employees entering and leaving the factory.
Employees who are feeling sick, and show symptoms should not come to work.
Staff education :
The governments or district administrations should make videos in all native languages and distribute to the factories.
Educate on all safety protocols to be followed inside the factory and at home.
Supply and storage of goods :
Isolate and sanitise finished goods.
Do not have crowded delivery outposts.
Physical distancing for workers :
Transport - arrange sufficient number of busses such that each row is reserved for a worker, thus maintaining distance.
Factories should run in shifts - to ensure that all workers do not get infected by a super spreader event.
If a positive case is suspected or confirmed :
Isolation facility should be present in the factory, the government can provide instructions on how to set them up.
3. Transport and Logistics :
The district police should be roped in to enforce social distancing measures on buses and trains.
Develop crowd control and management protocols at entrances of railway stations and at bus stops.
Only passengers with masks should be allowed inside the transport.
Periodic sterilisations should be conducted.
Trains and buses should not run on full capacity. Stickers should be placed in selected seats which can be occupied - thus enforcing social distancing.
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