Arindam Bhadra

Monday, June 1, 2020

COVID-19 & Surveillance

As nations have started to lift Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, large crowds of people have flocked to parks to enjoy spring temperatures but risking social-distancing guidelines that are deemed crucial to prevent an uncontrollable spread of virus.

In parallel shops are asked to ensure a safe reopening in adherence with the requirements coming from health authorities, e.g. that people need to maintain a social distance, compliance of protocols and health and safety guidelines will be key at every location. All stakeholders including employees will want to be sure that they are safe at work. It will therefore be important to ensure that such compliances are being stringently followed, and that reports are maintained.

State Governments and organizations are faced with the following challenges:

• Which part of my city, bus stop, shop or premises are most crowded and when?

• How do I make sure my building or shop doesn't get over-crowded?

• How do I know when people are getting too close to each other?

• How do I address people and avoid confrontation or incidents at the entrance to a store?

Yes, video surveillance hardware segment to hold largest share of the market. The hardware segment consists of cameras, monitors, storage devices, and accessories. The growth of the hardware segment is attributed to the increasing use of cameras in various security-related applications. Rising security concerns across various applications, the shift towards adoption of IP cameras, government initiatives to provide more secure environments, increasing smart city projects, technological advancements in cameras, and the availability of low-cost cameras are driving the growth of video surveillance hardware market.

Cameras is important component of hardware segment. Technological advancements have resulted in highly specialized surveillance cameras that can be programmed to zoom-in scan items such as harmful equipment. Technological advancements resulted in the availability of a variety of surveillance cameras, such as those with high resolution and better quality, cameras with more than 8 mega-pixels, body worn, mobile or spy cameras, ultra-low-light cameras, panoramic 360-degree cameras, robust outdoor cameras for harsh climates, cameras for sensitive environments, and those with integration capabilities for various applications such as people counting or retail management. In order to achieve optimal results from any technology, user 'expectations' must be in order. Technology has to assist users in performing tasks in an easier and standardized manner, leading to better decision making.

Major players in the video surveillance market are Axis Communications (Sweden), Bosch Security and Safety Systems (Germany), Hanwha Techwin (South Korea), Avigilon, a Motorola Solutions Company (Canada), Infinova (US), FLIR Systems (US), Milestone (US), Honeywell Security (US), Pelco (US), Agent Video Intelligence (US), Genetec (Canada), Nice Systems (Israel), Qognify (US), VIVOTEK (Taiwan), CP Plus (India) and Zhejiang Uniview Technologies (China).

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented organizations of all types and classifications with a new set of challenges that impact the security, safety, and health of all individuals who enter their premises, as well as the liability and responsibility of the host. Right now, the biggest challenge is how to get people back to work, engaged in commerce, education, and all of the everyday activities that drive the economy with effective safeguards in place.

In surveillance systems

The role of intelligent video analytics software that can detect people violating health care guidelines has become important. Many solution providers of video analytics for security cameras and VMS are at the forefront of this segment, enabling authorities to use technology to avoid crowds, ensure social distancing, and wear masks. These video solutions involve a four-stage process of firstly establishing awareness of a situation, then confirming that distances are being maintained, responding to unsafe behaviour and analysing data to identify areas and activities that are proving problematic.

Here are a few examples of how video technology can contribute to a safe reopening of societies:

1. Detecting facial masks.

Masks have become an integral part of the fight against COVID-19, and facial recognition analytics solution providers are now factoring in the possibility of having to detect people who wear and do not wear masks. Detecting and identifying those who wear masks or PPE for special case could be a necessity from a security perspective, but in the pandemic, alerting authorities of someone not wearing a mask is critical for safety reasons.

2. Keeping people notified

Both audio and visual messaging can be integrated with video, so those on a station platform can be given an audio reminder to maintain a safe distance over a PA system automatically when video identifies bunching. Screens can automatically provide notices of alternative access to buildings based on if the video system detects crowding in a particular area.

3. Crowd counting solutions

There is a danger of a fallback when COVID-19 restrictions are gradually being relaxed. So, in city squares, beaches, tourist attractions or other popular public places, social distance needs to be maintained for a longer period. Crowd counting solutions based on video analytics can help alert authorities to when these places get too crowded and social distance is at jeopardy. These alerts will be received in real-time, and historical statistics will also be available.

4. Responding to crowding

Dispatching personnel to deal with unsafe distancing and risky behaviour places these people at risk from infection, and they may face verbal or physical harassment. If they have to be deployed, however, video can support them with rules-based push notifications that send them to the place where an incident is taking place, giving them control of all the doors needed to access the area from their smartphone, and integrating with body worn video if being used.

Fever Camera Market

The market for elevated body temperature detection cameras, aka 'coronavirus cameras' aka 'fever detectors', may be worth billions of dollars this year and is certainly, by far, the fastest-growing market segment in the industry. Moreover, with physical products, including video surveillance, generally facing downward sales pressure, sales of coronavirus fever cameras will be a major factor in which companies 'win' or 'lose' over the next year.

FDA supplies this illustration showing a good fever cam setup

FDA considers body temp screening cams (paired with a thermometer to confirm the fever) to be medical devices, technically a "Telethermographic system intended for adjunctive diagnostic screening". These require FDA 510(k) clearance before being marketed, a process that takes around 130 days. On Apr 17, 2020 The US FDA has declared it will not go after the many companies marketing unapproved fever detection cameras during the coronavirus public health emergency, even though it does consider these products medical devices, it has announced 10 page new guidance (Click to get enforcement policy). The FDA recommended thermal cams are tested under following "performance specifications" including "measurement uncertainty, is less than or equal to ±0.5°C (±0.9°F) over the temperature range of at least 34-39°C (93.2-102.2°F)". The FDA says that a 'prominent notice' should be included, explaining: The labeling includes a prominent notice that the measurement should not be solely or primarily relied upon to diagnose or exclude a diagnosis of COVID-19, or any other disease. In particular, the world's two top international standards groups, the IEC and ISO, have published 3 standards covering fever (i.e., febrile) screening:

IEC 80601-2-59:2017 Medical electrical equipment — Part 2-59: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of screening thermographs for human febrile temperature screening
ISO/TR 13154:2017 Medical electrical equipment — Deployment, implementation and operational guidelines for identifying febrile humans using a screening thermograph
ISO 80601-2-56:2017 Medical electrical equipment — Part 2-56: Particular requirements for basic safety and essential performance of clinical thermometers for body temperature measurement

The IEC states the inner eye is the best area for body temp readings due to it being over an important artery, stating other body areas are "unreliable".

“Facial thermography of surface areas other than the region medially adjacent to the inner canthi is unreliable, and may be complicated by perspiration, facial skin flushed from exertion, etc. The current evidence indicates that the region medially adjacent to the inner canthi is the preferred site for fever screening due to the stability of that measurement site. This is because this region is directly over the internal carotid artery.”

“The temperature LABORATORY ACCURACY of a SCREENING THERMOGRAPH, including the measurement uncertainty shall be less than or equal to an offset error of ±0,5°C over the range of at least 34°C to 39°C”.

“Camera ensure that there are sufficient IMAGE PIXELS in the thermogram of the FACE and TARGET to permit an accurate assessment. The minimum display of the workable target plane shall be 320 IMAGE PIXELS by 240 IMAGE PIXELS. In NORMAL USE, the thermogram of the FACE shall fill at least 240 IMAGE PIXELS by 180 IMAGE PIXELS.” If a face on camera needs to be 240 pixels wide and a real face is about six inches wide, effectively a 400-pixel camera should have a field of view no wider than 10 inches. The practical issue is that with fewer pixels on target it is harder to get precise readings since the readings of adjacent hotter and colder parts of a face will blend in, reducing accuracy.

The ISO/IEC standards make no mention of such AI or of anything else helping overcome these obstructions. This sets up an issue where manufacturers may argue these 2017 standards are out of date. Some manufacturers have also touted "compensation algorithms" they claim automatically adjust for the (well-known) difference between face skin temperature and actual body temperature. However, the ISO recommends that this "small difference" between inner eye temp and body temp be accounted for by adjusting the "threshold temperature".

The ISO/TR 13154:2017 and IEC 80601-2-59:2017 standards specifically state that fever screening is deployed under indoor conditions.

The RESPONSIBLE ORGANIZATION needs to be aware of the type of lighting used at the screening area. Lighting such as incandescent, halogen, quartz tungsten halogen and other type of lamps that produce significant interference (heat) should be avoided.

The area chosen for screening should have a non-reflective background and minimal reflected infrared radiation from the surroundings. IEC recommends A/C drafts be diffused to ensure they are not blowing onto people and cooling them. The ISO adds that "sun-facing windows, radiant heaters, or sources of cold (cold windows or outside walls" can also "interfere" with accurate readings and must be avoided as well.

Controlling ambient temperature is important, as overly hot/cold people will not give accurate results, particularly if they are sweating. ISO states the temperatures measured by a screening thermograph can be influenced when the individual being screened is sweating. Sweating thresholds can vary according to a person’s fitness level, environment of residence, length of adaptation and the relative humidity. When humidity is controlled, these effects are minimized. To produce consistent and reliable results of the temperature screening process, it is imperative that the screening thermograph be situated in a reserved stable indoor environment with a temperature range of 20°C to 24°C and relative humidity range from 10% to 50%.

The ISO recommends that a "secondary screening area" be set up "removed from the general traffic flow" for people who are being confirmed for fever. The secondary screening area should be properly equipped with "masks, wipes, disinfectants".

Toilets should not be proximal to the screening thermograph area. This is to both inhibit potential cross-infection and to prevent facial washing (alteration of the thermal profile) immediately prior to entering the screening thermograph area.

ISO recommends the responsible organization should retain this information for at least one month (normal maximum incubation time for known infectious diseases). The responsible organization should be prepared to maintain the data for longer periods when deemed necessary by the public health authorities and other organizations ensuring protection of public safety. Technically, the GDPR does not apply to thermal camera readings, as it only deals with the "processing of personal data" i.e. data that can identify a specific person - which thermal readings cannot.

IPVM test Thermal Imaging Camera & IR Thermometer

Camera Manufacturers

These companies generally released thermal temperature screening products after the coronavirus pandemic commenced:

*Camera Manufacturers / OEM & Their Partner*
Dahua	FLIR	Hikvision	Sunell	TVT	YCX
Altoros	Embedded Logix	ClearWay	Bolide		IVC
Amcrest	Emitted Energy	Smart CT Solutions	CBC Ganz	AvyCon	Secureye
ENS	HIS MSC	Mercury Security and Facilities Management	Dubak Electrical Group DuThermX	Johnson Controls	Tsimplifica
Optiview	Viper Imaging	Smart CT Solutions	CP Plus		CommOptics
PlatinumCCTV	Midas Touch	Remark Thermal	CohuHD / CoStar		Cyber Info
IndigoVision			EagleEye
RedSpeed			DLink
RS Tech			EOS Australia
			Flexible Systems
			CheckVideo
			Braasco
			InVid
			Novus
			SATIR
			TKH / Siqura
			Vicon
			VenueScreen
			Watchnet
			ZKTeco

A core issue is there are no independent tests of thermal camera performance/accuracy and no independent standards to measure against. This has allowed manufacturers to tout products meant for body/fire detection as a fever solution, or falsely claim pinpoint accuracy at long distances. We urge caution against buying low-cost thermal solutions from any manufacturer.

Bengaluru-based Cocoslabs Innovations will receive a loan from the Technology Development Board, under Science and Technology Department, to develop a “low-cost solution to identify persons with abnormal body temperature in a crowd and, at the same time, provide an alert system to notify about identified persons to authorities on their phones and laptops”. The product, according to TDB, includes features such as detecting and tracking a person with and without a face mask, predicting age, gender, race, temperature readings, and facial recognition in a single product that can track multiple people in a real-time environment. “Imagine a CCTV which can take temperatures as well as carry out mask identification”.

In access control systems

Video analytics is no longer limited to CCTV systems. With cameras becoming an integral part of access control solutions for facial recognition, video analytics are now being used on them too. The consequences of COVID-19 are clear to see in the short term, but it may also drive the need for technology that will help mitigate against pandemics and the spread of disease in the long term.

Major players in the access control market are HID Corporation (US), Suprema (South Korea), LenelS2 (US), Gallagher (US), IDEMIA (France), ViRDI (Korea), DDS (Israel), CEM (US), Honeywell Security (US), SYRIS (Taiwan), Kaba (Switzerland ), Boon Edam (Netherlands ), FAAC (Italy), Mantra Softech (India), WYSE Biometrics (India) and ZKTeco (China).

One of these technologies that offers some promise is long-range RFID. The value offered is more than just security and safety. Implemented correctly, it not only helps minimise the dangers posed to staff and patients, but also helps improve the efficiency and workflow around the facility. Hence, during the current times of peak capacity, the risk increases. The right long-range access control solution can help minimise the risk by reducing shared contact points.

Long-range RFID is gaining traction as a complete people and vehicle solution. As an ideal solution that automates vehicle access without the need for ticket stations, pin pads or manned gates, members of staff can now go from their doorstep to the room they are required in without having to touch surfaces in order to access the car park and building.

All of this can be done from a card that is transferred from a special holder in your car to a land yard for centrally managed, hands-free access around the facility. A modern access control solution using long range readers can help by keeping supplies locked in a dedicated room with access granted only for approved staff ID badges. Whilst also restricting access in staff car parks to only approved staff members.

Access control software offers a unique insight of real-time data into key staff members and their movements within the building. This software can then compile the data collected into reports which can help reveal bottlenecks in the flow of staff members around the facility. In the case of an emergency, an access system with connections to readers and cameras, can lock / unlock certain doors, or revoke access to particular people in case their badge was stolen.

Whilst we cannot accurately predict what the world will look like post COVID-19, long-range RFID technology could prove to be a powerful tool going forward. It offers solutions that go beyond just security, and helps healthcare facilities build a better future by improving workflow, manage medical equipment, protect patients, staff and visitors from infection and future pandemics.

The turnstiles, revolving doors restrict entry to one person at a time and with the automatic systems, the entry is verified against each individual and the door is opened and closed automatically. This will ensure a contactless access control in Ireland while maintaining the same level of security.

The access control system will regulate and limit the incoming and outgoing of a pedestrian. The access control gates can be installed to stop the pedestrian movements and only allow the authorized authorities to enter. This way you can control whether the permission can be granted to the person or should be restricted. This system will regulate social distancing and safe workplace environment by ensuring only the essential personnel to enter and restrict the outdoor crowd. Public places such as stations, hotels, banks, restaurants, airports, etc. can use the access control system to ensure only the needy person gets in and the contraction of the virus is stopped.

This will not only be useful in public places, but also at community centers, apartment complexes, parking garages or college campuses. This will control the crowd in a manner will implement social distancing and will protect the entire facility.

Seos is a breakthrough credential technology that represents a new way of thinking about end-user experiences. Solutions that are powered by Seos offer the freedom to use your device of choice – from smart cards to smartphones – for secure access to more application. Solutions range from building access, computer login and cashless vending to Internet of Things (IoT) applications, time-and-attendance, secure print authentication and an ever-increasing number of other uses that are in demand. As a dynamic, standards-based technology that is already proven in the marketplace, Seos introduces a new realm of choices. End-users have the potential to use any combination of smart phones, smart cards, tablets, wearables, bank cards, key fobs, inlays and other smart devices to secure applications.

Finger technology is end now, most of end user going to nontouch based attendance system. Through iPhone & Android enabled app platforms GPS & Camera end user track there employee mainly who work from home / field technical or sales team. Employees in the field can register their attendance through a mobile app. The attendance is pushed to ADIS and it puts the data on cloud server. Tech integrates with Google Map, its Advance Geo Tagging features gets you the exact longitudinal location of the employee which verifies his presence on the client’s premises. For example, when an employee reaches a destination on time and the client keeps him waiting, the manager can intervene and make meeting on time. On the other hand when the employee leaves the premises a quick check up can be done about his performance with the client and any issues can be resolved as soon as possible.

Facial recognition is the ideal choice. Once installed and your employees are registered they merely have to look at the device and it will record them. Clocking takes a split second. But due to Mask on your face, some old face recognition system may not work.

*Access Control Manufacturers / OEM & Their Partner*
Mercury	HID	Proprietary
Lenel	RedCloud	Kantech
R2S	Averics	GE
Open Options	CBORD Group	Software House
Honeywell Prowatch	Genetec	Johnson Controls
Red Cloud	IDN-Acme	AMAG
S2	Imron	Keyscan
Brivo	Maxxess	Gallagher
Maxxess	Next Level Security Systems	DSX
Keri NXT	Automated Management Technologies (AMT)	RBH Access
Genetec	Johnson Controls - EDGE ONLY	Identive
Stanley	Wren Solutions	Paxton
Identicard		Infinias
RF Logics Inc
Bosch ReadyKey

Ref:

https://www.medianama.com/2020/05/223-cocoslabs-facial-recognition-tdb/

https://ipvm.com/reports/
https://ipvm.com/reports/zkteco-fda

https://www.securityindustry.org/2020/05/27/fda-issues-guidance-on-thermal-imaging-systems-and-covid-19/

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Guidelines for workplace when reopen post COVID-19 lockdown

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) disease among industrial workers and office staff when commercial activities resume in various states of India, the states, district administration and the labour department already issued a detailed advisory for business units reopening while the lockdown is still in place. The labour department said that since the city has a unique mix of industrial and office workforce, owing to closeness with other national Capital region cities, it has been decided to apply more stringent measures in a few domains to prevent the spread of this disease.

Additional labour commissioner of NCR, Haryana. “All organisations are expected to align their operations to these guidelines to ensure safe working conditions. In case the companies don’t comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP), their permissions will be withdrawn and criminal proceedings would be initiated against them,” he said.

What is COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV. The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. These symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19. This is why testing is required to confirm if someone has COVID-19.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth). The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and the virus has now spread to many countries and territories.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new guidelines for the restarting of manufacturing units post coronavirus lockdown. As per the new guidelines, the production units have been asked to consider first week after the lockdown ends as a trial period. The new guidelines address the issues from accommodation to sanitization needs. It also asks the companies to not target high production in the first week of operations.

"When Lockout/Tagout procedures are not in place, many energy sources can prove to be hazardous to operators/supervisors who are servicing or maintaining electrical, mechanical or chemical equipment. When heavy machinery and equipment are not maintained periodically, they can become dangerous for the operators/engineers," NDMA said in a statement.

Key Messages & Actions for workplace administrators or safety Managers

Following basic principles can help keep students, teachers, and staff safe at school

· sick worker or employee and other staff should not come to workplace.

· Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors, and customers.

· Workplace should promote physical distancing, only two worker or employee can do work. Seating arrangement also be spread.

· Combine with other communication measures such as offering guidance from occupational health and safety officers, briefings at meetings, and information on intranet sites to promote hand-washing

· Display posters promoting respiratory hygiene. Combine this with other communication measures such as guidance from occupational health and safety officers, briefing at meetings, and information on the intranet, etc.

· Office room, workstation, cabin room temperature should under 24

to 30

. Relative humidity within 40% - 70%.

· Ensure that face masks (Ordinary medical masks rather than N95 masks) or paper tissues are available at your workplaces, for those who develop a runny nose or cough at work, along with closed bins for hygienically disposing of them.

Disinfect workplace

Clean and disinfect workplace area & buildings and especially water and sanitation facilities at least once a day, particularly surfaces that are touched by many people (Chair-table, elevator, railings, lunch tables, sports equipment, door and window handles, tools, entrance electronic gate, learning aids etc) or restricted area (Lab equipment, AC, DVR/NVR, Amplifier, any type controller, Fire Panel, Pump House, Hose, Fire Extinguisher, Access Reader etc) through Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). This sanitizer not applicable for Human skin. Primarily as a cleaning and disinfecting agent.

SANITIZING TUNNELS are disinfecting passageways for human use if sprays are non-flammable & non-toxic Super oxidized water Hypochlorous acid (HOCL). If purchase from vendor, vendor should share Lab test report & national or international certificate.

Verify Electrical System

Carry out the visual inspections of the distribution boards, switch boards. This is to ensure that during lock down insects have not got trapped in the electrical apparatus. If possible, get the earth values check of the earth pits.

Ensure that all stand by equipment’s are tested for the operations, such as DG sets. Ensure to have those equipment’s in auto mode, if they were kept in auto mode prior to the lock down.

Lift operator should strictly use gloves and mask during duty hours.

Verify CCTV System

CCTV surveillance is now an integral part of the school, collage across the world. Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections, which might have happened during the lockdown period.

Verify CCTV video footage of each camera and all the recorders (DVR/NVR/Servers etc.) for last 60days. Must be implement thermal image scanning body temperature camera. It can be handheld / tripod standing type. the government will ask all major companies that reopen with permits to share their CCTV footage. “We will make it mandatory for all bigger organisations to share CCTV footage. We will set up a control room where our industry department will monitor this feed to ensure that the social distancing norms are being followed,” said additional chief secretary and GMDA chief VS Kundu.

Verify PA System

Student Announcement or class bell system is integral part of the school, collage across the world. Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections, which might have happened during the lockdown period along with proper functionality of all the speakers through announcement.

Verify Fire Detection & Protection System

Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections, which might have happened during the lockdown period alongwith check any fault indication on panel.

Test Detection system through fauls smoke (using aerosol) & Pulling MCP and chk notification signal, other hand test fire Electrically Driven Main (Hydrant / Sprinkler/ Jockey) pump start value stop value, Diesel Driven Pumps etc. Checked all fire Extinguisher are in correct place and healthy.

Workplace attendance

Strictly avoid attendance thru fingerprint based biometric machines instead use face/eye scanning biometric machines or wave-based machine. Visual inspection of all the components for any kind of damage or loose connections. If Body temp screening camera not installed then implement thermal Face scanning Solution can be integrate with attendance solution. There should be no overlap of shifts. A minimum time of an hour should be there between two shifts for cleaning to take place. Managerial and administrative staff should work one shift at 33 per cent capacity as per MHA guidelines; but while deciding which particular person to be included in 33% at any given point of time, overriding priority should be given to personnel dealing with safety.

Posters, helpline and training

Posters with approved guidelines and messages must be displayed. Regular drill and training of employees must be conducted maintaining six feet of distance. Frequent announcements must be made on the floor to remind workers to be mindful of their actions. Contact numbers of government helplines must be displayed.

The following precautions to be taken before starting any activity on these Plant and Machinery as well as stacks:

(i) Prior to start of any activity, location specific risk assessment to be done by Safety In-charge.

The location wise risk assessment to take care of aspects like:

o Integrity of Assets (Condition of Batching plants, winch machine, lifting tools & tackles, back stay/guy rope arrangements etc.) & strength of the same.

o Inspection of erected tower cranes/ gantries for any missing parts.

o Stability of Scaffolding & other work platform/ arrangements before loading or permitting workers to climb on.

o Safety of Electrical systems including Earthing.

o Biological Hazards (Snakes/other poisonous reptiles or insects), clearing of bushes& spraying of chemical repellents to be carried out.

(ii) After preparation of location specific risk assessment, a thorough inspection to be carried out on the identified risks and corresponding control measures & to be recorded & approved by Safety In-charge.

(iii) Safety critical inventories like Cranes, lifting tool and tackles, DG Sets, Scaffolds etc., to be got re-inspected and certified Safe worthy by competent person/ OEM.

(iv) Disinfection of Incoming materials at project sites

(i) Incoming materials may be contaminated while transportation and hence all incoming material vehicles arriving to the project sites shall be parked at stores/ safe location and the material should not be handled/touched for stipulated hours.

(ii) Thereafter all the new material to be disinfected with recommended concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) solution before use except for items which can reacts with the disinfectant.

(v) Ensure no sharing of tools or workstations to the extent possible. Provide additional sets of tools if needed.

Key Messages & Actions for workplace Members

COVID-19 is a new virus and we are still learning about how it affects children.

Understand basic information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including its symptoms, complications, how it is transmitted and how to prevent transmission.

Remember that symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or fever can be similar to those of the flu, or the common cold, which are a lot more common.

Prevention of Spread of Virus amongst Workers

For Workers/ staff staying at Labour Colony/ Camps/ Site

(i) It shall be mandatory for all the workers/ staff to wear face mask, hand gloves and full sleeve shirt/ kurta/ trouser/ pyjama all the time so that their faces, hands, arms and legs are covered. Sufficient number of safety masks, gloves, safety shoes, helmets etc., shall be arranged for all workers.

(ii) Regular visit of Doctor/ medical staff in the labour camp. Tie up with nearby hospital dealing with COVID 19 testing and treatment to be ensured. Contact mobile number of the doctor/medical assistance shall be prominently displayed in the camp at number of locations. Routine medical check-up of each labour/ staff by qualified medical staff shall be ensured at least once in a week.

(iii) Any person with symptoms of COVID-19 infection shall be immediately placed in designated isolation rooms. In case of positive test results for COVID-19, he should be admitted to designated hospitals or Government quarantine center.

(iv) Physical distancing shall be ensured in labour camps by providing adequate number of rooms for workers.

(v) Food items, vegetables and other items of daily requirement for the labours / staff shall be arranged by the contractor from one or more reliable sources in the camp itself and no one from the camp will be allowed to move out for these requirements. Labour camp to be cordoned off

(vi) Consumption of liquor shall be strictly prohibited in labour camps as it may result in violation of physical distancing.

(vii) List of worker/ staff leaving and entering each labour camp shall be maintained and updated every day. Any missing worker shall be reported and traced immediately.

(viii) Transportation of workers/ staff from labour camp shall be only by designated vehicles/buses with physical distancing maintained in the vehicles/ buses. They should return back by same vehicle. Once the workers/ staff are back to the camp, they shall clean their hands with soap thoroughly before going to their rooms.

Organizing meetings and events

Organizers of meetings and events need to think about the potential risk from COVID-19 because, there is a risk that people attending your meeting or event might unwittingly bring the COVID-19 virus to the meeting. Others might be unknowingly exposed to COVID-19.

BEFORE the meeting or event

• Check the advice from the authorities in the community where you plan to hold the meeting or event. Follow their advice.

• Consider whether a face-to-face meeting or event is needed. Could it be replaced by a teleconference or online event? Could the meeting or event be scaled down so that fewer people attend.

• Pre-order sufficient supplies and materials, including tissues and hand sanitizer for all participants. Have surgical masks available to offer anyone who develops respiratory symptoms.

• Make sure all organizers, participants, caterers, and visitors at the event provide contact details: mobile telephone number, email, and address where they are staying. State clearly that their details will be shared with local public health authorities if any participant becomes ill with a suspected infectious disease. Anyone who does not agree to this condition cannot attend the event or meeting.

• Develop and agree a response plan in case someone at the meeting becomes ill with symptoms of COVID-19 (dry cough, fever, malaise). Identify a room or area where someone who is feeling unwell or has symptoms can be safely isolated

DURING the meeting or event

• Provide information or a briefing, preferably both orally and in writing, on COVID-19 and the measures that organizers are taking to make this event safe for participants. Build trust. For example, as an icebreaker, practice ways to say hello without touching.

• Encourage participants to cover their face with the bend of their elbow or a tissue if they cough or sneeze. Supply tissues and closed bins for disposal.

• If there is space, arrange seats so that participants are at least 1 meter apart.

AFTER the meeting

• Retain the names and contact details of all participants for at least one month. This will help public health authorities trace people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if one or more participants become ill shortly after the event.

• If they develop even a mild cough or low-grade fever (i.e. a temperature of 37.3 C or more) they should stay at home and self-isolate. This means avoiding close contact (less than 1 meter) with other people, including family members. They should also call their health care provider or the local public health department, giving them details of their recent travel and symptoms.

New Workmen/ staff joining

(i) Induction of new Workers / staff should be avoided as far as possible. Worker/ staff from hot spot or potential risky areas should not be inducted at site at all.

(ii) If a new worker is coming to site, his background should be verified to know any history of illness/disease. Each new worker/ staff should be checked for any COVID19 symptoms by qualified Doctor even if the information provided by him is satisfactory.

(iii) All the newly inducted person should be kept in a separate camp and not allowed to mix up with existing workers for 14 days. Separate work area to be allocated for newly inducted persons for 14 days.

(iv) B riefing should be given to them regarding precautions and procedure to be adopted before entering the camp/ work site for the first time.

Gutkha, tobacco, smoke breaks

The use of gutkha and tobacco products has been banned. It is also encouraged that employees get prescription nicotine patches or gums to avoid smoking. Smoking at public places is anyway a punishable offence and if companies have closed smoking rooms then these should be closed.

Key Messages & Actions for employee’s travel

Before traveling

– Make sure your organization and its employees have the latest information on areas where COVID-19 is spreading. You can find this at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/.

– Based on the latest information, your organization should assess the benefits and risks related to upcoming travel plans.

– Avoid sending employees who may be at higher risk of serious illness (e.g. older employees and those with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease) to areas where COVID-19 is spreading.

– Make sure all persons travelling to locations reporting COVID-19 are briefed by a qualified professional (e.g. staff health services, health care provider or local public health partner)

– Consider issuing employees who are about to travel with small bottles of alcohol-based hand rub. This can facilitate regular hand-washing.

While traveling:

– Encourage employees to wash their hands regularly and stay at least 1 m away from people who are coughing or sneezing.

– Ensure employees know what to do and whom to contact if they feel ill while traveling.

– Ensure that your employees comply with instructions from local authorities and any local restrictions on travel, movement, or large gatherings where they are travelling.

Return from traveling:

– Employees who have returned from an area where COVID-19 is spreading should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days and take their temperature twice a day.

– If they develop even a mild cough or low-grade fever (i.e. a temperature of 37.3 C or more) they should stay at home and self-isolate. This means avoiding close contact (less than 1 m) with other people, including family members. They should also call their health care provider or the local public health department, giving them details of their recent travel and symptoms.