Covid19: Centre issues SOP for Yoga Institutes and Gymnasiums

Published on:

03 Aug 2020, 9:07 am

The Central Government on Monday issued guidelines on Preventive Measures to Contain Spread of COVID-19 in Yoga Institutes and Gymnasiums.
The guidelines, according to the Health Ministry, aim to minimize all possible physical contacts between staff, members & visitors and maintain social distancing and other preventive and safety measures in the context of COVID-19.
According to the guidelines, all yoga institutes and gymnasiums in containment zones shall remain closed for the public. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
As generic preventive measures, the guidelines inter-alia provide-

Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet as far as feasible.
The use of face covers/masks is mandatory at all times within the premises. However, during yoga exercise or exercising in gymnasiums, as far as possible only a visor may be used. Use of mask (in particular N-95 masks) during exercise may cause difficulty in breathing.
Practice frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be practiced wherever feasible.
Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves the strict practice of covering one's mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing of used tissues properly.
Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.
Spitting should be strictly prohibited Installation & use of the Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all.

The Health Ministery's guidelines also advise the persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years not to use gyms in closed spaces.
The guidelines mandate that all areas within the premises shall be disinfected using clinically approved disinfectants.
At the entry point, according to the guidelines, the following precautions are required to be taken-

Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
Only asymptomatic persons (including staff) be allowed in the premises.
All persons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks.
All members, visitors and staff may consider using Aarogya Setu application for risk identification at all times inside the yoga institute/gymnasiums
Posters/standees on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently. Audio and Video clips to spread awareness on preventive measures for COVID-19 may be regularly played.
Ensure minimum distance of 6 feet at all times in queues
Proper crowd management in the parking lots, in corridors and in elevators – duly following social distancing norms shall be organized.
Staggering of members/ visitors to be done, with separate timing slots, to allow for adequate physical distancing and disinfection of premises & equipment.
In yoga institutes, shoes / footwear are to be preferably taken off outside the premises where yoga exercises are done. If needed they should be kept in separate slots for each individual / family by the persons themselves. x. Details of check-in and checkout times of members and visitors must be recorded (name, address and phone number)

The guidelines also provide for norms to be followed while planning and scheduling of activities Yoga Institutes and Gymnasiums.
On July 29, Centre had issued new guidelines for opening up more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones. Yoga institutes and gymnasiums were also be allowed to open from 5 August, while schools, colleges, and coaching institutes would remain closed till 31 August.