Companies can secure adequate stock of PPE, install contactless sanitizer dispensers, increase spacing between cubicles, and manage common areas by communicating effectively on the need to maintain social distancing writes Akshay Hedge.

The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across global economies since its spread from Wuhan in China. It has been a monumental challenge in containing this corona virus contagion, while securing business continuity and safety at organizations. With relaxation in the extended lockdown, companies will slowly begin restarting their operations and opening of their factories, albeit with several guidelines and social distancing measures in place. Currently, MHA guidelines for resuming work from offices are being operationalized by states basis their respective ground situations. It’s abundantly clear, that strict implementation of preparatory arrangements and adherence to the SOPs for social distancing at workplaces, will help the country back-to-work in a phased and safe manner.

Many IT companies have already begun operating from their offices with reduced staff, while others have resorted to only critical functions operating from workplaces. It’s indeed a sensitive topic, and unless companies are able to allay the concerns for safety of their employees, bringing them back-to-work will have to be done in a staggered manner. It is also clear that unless a vaccine for Covid-19 is introduced, companies will have to get accustomed to working remotely and accept the reality of this new normal. Tuning in to video conferencing applications like Zoom or Go-To for conducting meetings, and usage of business communication tools like Slack will also become ubiquitous. In the meanwhile, companies can secure adequate stock of PPE (at least 3 ply masks/reusable cotton masks), install contactless sanitizer dispensers, increase spacing between cubicles, and manage common areas by communicating effectively on the need to maintain social distancing. It may be wise to separate/reorganize cellular manufacturing at factories so that staff can practice social distancing without any decrease in productivity. Disinfecting office premises prior to restart of operations and deploying sanitization tunnels at their gates, can also be an effective solution to maintaining essential hygiene. In order to further minimize the chances of surface to human contamination, daily use objects can be quickly sterilized periodically, by utilizing and deploying a UVC disinfection system.

Another way to address the significant challenge in surveillance and monitoring of employee health is by implementing temperature/thermal screening solutions. Shakedeal has collaborated with some of the best system integrators to bring fast and convenient contactless solutions for temperature detection. Our solutions effectively reduce manpower and provide real-time and accurate temperature measurement data for management decision making. By implementing these, companies can enable adherence to operating guidelines and adequate safety for their workforce, incorporating temperature screening (with access control, group screening, and screening on patrol) and mask detection systems. These solutions have been widely implemented in countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan across establishments like schools, offices, factories, malls, etc., so that their economies can restart swiftly.