GoI initiatives and the SOS that were taken during th e lockdown

1. 1

2. 2
Compiled by
Denadyalan. S
2019507002
I M.Sc. Agrl. Extension
COVID 19
Modus operandi initiatives of public
sector to control corona virus
-An evaluation
Prepared as part of the course
AEX-502
Development Communication And Information Management
(2+1)
Submitted to
Dr. M. Ashokan Prof ( Agrl Extension)
Dr. S. R. Padma Asst Prof (Agrl Extension)
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Coimbatore

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Topic Pg.no
 Introduction 4
 Quarantine & isolation 5
 WHO guidelines for the public 6
 Recommended Measures by Ministry of AYUSH 7
 Guidelines for home quarantine 8
 Scenarios of transmission 10
 Current testing strategy - ICMR India 11
 COVID-19: Guidelines on disinfection of common public
places
13
 Advisory for quarantine of migrant workers 14
 Guidelines on use of masks 15
 Containment Plan for Large Outbreaks 16
 Standard Precautions while handling dead bodies of
COVID 19 affected
19
 Zoning COVID-19 India 20
 Guidelines for farmers and farming sector 21
 Travel advisory - COVID’19 23
 Conclusion 25
Content
COVID 19
Modus operandi initiatives of public
sector to control corona virus
-An evaluation

4. 4
Modus operandi refers to a particular way or method of doing some-
thing, with the novel corona virus diffusing across the world a
standard operating procedure has to be framed and followed to be effective in
controlling the spread of the infection. Various organizations and governments
have assigned their own SOP to prevent COVID-19, mostly according to the
WHO guidelines and their national health organizations guidelines. The
measures might vary in scale and stringency according to the political scenario
and the level of infection.
At each tier of the administration from center, state, district to panchayat a
standard operating procedure was framed with the guidance from WHO and
ICMR, with which India has been fighting the novel corona virus.
The standard procedures recommended must be strictly adhered to reduce the
spread of the infection at the same time effectiveness of these norms were
challenged on the ground that it is not showing any visible signs on progression
towards controlling the virus and of course the virus is new and highly mutagen-
ic and the responses of patients to the viral infections varies with the level of
immunity. To address these challenges posed by the virus the norms and proce-
dures were updated with the scientific research and experiences. In the race
towards devising a vaccine for the novel corona virus, many countries and com-
panies were far ahead on the edge to start the human trials, for the mean time
hospitals were tracing back to the predecessor antiviral drugs and treatments
one of them is hydroxychloroquine to treat the COVID-19. As a support to the
country's fight against the COVID19, it’s the responsibility of each and every citi-
zen to adhere to the norms and regulations posted by the governments which
includes halt in free movement of people travel restrictions shutdown o the non
essential industries
The SOPS quoted in the document were referred from the official websites of
WHO, Ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW), Ministry of home affairs
(MHA) and news articles. For further information please visit the websites.
Wait ..
What is democracy ?
A government of the people, by the people, for the people
(Or) off the people, buy the people, far the people

5. 5
Quarantine refers to separation of individuals who are not yet ill but have
been exposed to COVID-19 and therefore have a potential to become ill.
There will be home quarantine/facility quarantine of contacts of suspect /
confirmed cases. The guideline on home quarantine available on the website of
the Ministry provides detailed guidance on home quarantine.
The contacts advised quarantine will undergo risk profiling. Those above 60 or
with co morbidities will be shifted to designated quarantine facility. This will help
identify early development of symptoms among them, their testing and shifting
to isolation facility - MoHFW
Isolation refers to separation of individuals who are ill and suspected or con-
firmed of COVID-19. There are various modalities of isolating a patient. Ide-
ally, patients can be isolated in individual isolation rooms or negative pressure
rooms with 12 or more air-changes per hour.
In resource constrained settings, all positive COVID-19 cases can be cohorted in
a ward with good ventilation. Similarly, all suspect cases should also be cohort-
ed in a separate ward. However, under no circumstances these cases should be
mixed up. The COVID hospital/ COVID block in an identified hospital or the make
shift temporary hospitals and will all have separate facilities to keep suspect
and confirmed cases.
A minimum distance of 1 meter needs to be maintained between adjacent beds.
All such patients need to wear a triple layer surgical mask at all times - MoHFW
As of now, the mortality rate for COVID-19 is of 3.3%. Further analysis of
the data indicates that out of the deceased:
 14.4% of people are 0-45 years age group
 10.3% 45 -60 years age group
 33.1% 60-75 years age group
 42.2% are from 75 years and above age group
-MoHFW

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WHO guidelines for the public
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or
wash them with soap and water.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is
coughing or sneezing.
When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their
nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in
the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the dis-
ease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands
can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can en-
ter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This
means covering your mouth and nose, with your bent elbow or tissue when you
cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the peo-
ple around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given
by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or
your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
Appeal to the General Public
Not to consume and spit Smokeless Tobacco in Public. Chewing Smokeless To-
bacco products (Gutkha, Paan masala with tobacco, Paanand other chewing to-
bacco products) and areca nut (supari) increases the production of saliva fol-
lowed by a very strong urge to spit. Spitting in public places could enhance the
spread of the COVID19 virus. In view of the increasing danger of COVID-19 pan-
demic, it is an appeal to the general public to refrain from consuming the
smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places during the COVID epi-
demic.
https://stopcorona.tn.gov.in/

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Recommended Measures by Ministry of AYUSH
I General Measures
1. Drink warm water throughout the day.
2. Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes
as advised by Ministry of AYUSH
3. Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun
(Garlic) are recommended in cooking.
II Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures
1. Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar
free Chyavanprash.
2. Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini
(Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka
(Raisin) - once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural sugar) and / or fresh lemon
juice to your taste, if needed.
3. Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk - once
or twice a day.
III Simple Ayurvedic Procedures
1. Nasal application - Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils
(Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening.
2. Oil pulling therapy- Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not
drink, Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm wa-
ter rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.
IV During dry cough / sore throat
1. Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds)
can be practiced once in a day.
2. Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-3
times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.
3. These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat. However, it
is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.
Kaba sura kudineer is made from nilavembu (Andrographis paniculata),
kanduparangi (Clerodendrun serratum), chukku (dried ginger), thippili (piper
longum), Ilavangam(Syzygium aromaticum) , adathodai ver(root of Justicia bed-
domei), Cirukancori Ver (Tragia involucrate), seenthil (Tinosporia cordifolia), kar-
pooravalli (Anisochilus carnosus), koraikizhangu (Cyperus rotundus), kostam
(Costus speciosus), akkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum) Vattathiruppi Ver (Sida acuta),
Mulli Ver (Hygrophilla auriculata) and Kadukkaithol (Terminalia chebula) is found
to be efficient in prevention and treatment of corona virus.
5-10 g of powder boiled with 600 ml of water down to 60 ml for a single dose in
adults (60kg) after filtering it. To be prepared fresh every time. This may be given
twice a day just before food or just after food till the patient recovers fully. — https://
www.nhp.gov.in/swine-flu_mtl

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Guidelines for home quarantine - MoHFW
Duration of home quarantine
a) The home quarantine period is for 14 days from contact with a confirmed
case or earlier if a suspect case (of whom the index person is a contact)
turns out negative on laboratory testing
Scope
Detection of a travel related/unrelated suspect case of novel Coronavirus Dis-
ease (COVID19) will be followed by rapid isolation of such cases in designated
health facilities and line listing of all contacts of such cases. Home quarantine is
applicable to all such contacts of a suspect or confirmed case of COVID-19.
This intervention will be limited to the initial phase of India reporting only
(i) travel related cases and
(ii) focal clusters arising from a travel related/unrelated case where cluster con-
tainment strategy is adopted
(iii) Persons coming from COVID-19 affected areas where local and community
transmission is evident.
Definition of contact
A contact is defined as a healthy person that has been in such association with
an infected person or a contaminated environment as to have exposed and is
therefore at a higher risk of developing disease.
A contact in the context of COVID-19 is:
 A person living in the same household as a COVID-19 case;
 A person having had direct physical contact with a COVID-19 case or his/her
infectious secretions without recommended personal protective equipment
(PPE) or with a possible breach of PPE
 A person who was in a closed environment or had face to face contact with a
COVID-19 case at a distance of within1metre including air travel;
The epidemiological link may have occurred within a 14‐day period before the
onset of illness in the case under consideration.
Instructions for contacts being home quarantined
The home quarantined person should: Stay in a well-ventilated single-room pref-
erably with an attached/separate toilet.
If another family member needs to stay in the same room, it’s advisable to main-
tain a distance of at least 1 meter between the two.
 Needs to stay away from elderly people, pregnant women, children and per-
sons with co-morbidities within the household.
 Restrict his/her movement within the house.

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 Under no circumstances attend any social/religious gathering e.g. wedding,
condolences, etc.
 Wash hand as often thoroughly with soap and water or with alcohol-based
hand sanitizer
 Avoid sharing household items e.g. dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating
utensils, towels, bedding, or other items with other people at home.
 Wear a surgical mask at all the time. The mask should be changed every 6-8
hours and disposed off. Disposable masks are never to be reused
Instructions for the family members of persons being home quarantined
 Only an assigned family member should be tasked with taking care of the
such person • Avoid shaking the soiled linen or direct contact with skin
 Use disposable gloves when cleaning the surfaces or handling soiled linen
 Wash hands after removing gloves
 Visitors should not be allowed
 In case the person being quarantined becomes symptomatic, all his close
contacts will be home quarantined (for 14 days) and followed up for an addi-
tional 14 days or till the report of such case turns out negative on lab testing
No mass gatherings
As per the MHA guidelines states have to take necessary guidelines to halt the
mass gatherings of the public to prevent the diseases.
- MHA
GEO FENCING AND AROGYA SETHU
For instance, the IT ministry has incorporated geo-fencing through
mobile phones in its armory to fight the pandemic. With this technol-
ogy, the government is keeping track of all the people who have
tested positive or have been advised to stay under quarantine. The
system not only monitors the breach of the allocated geo fence for
each patient, but also alerts the local health authorities to allow police to track
the patient.
the IT Ministry has also launched an interactive voice response service (IVRS)
with the government of Tamil Nadu, especially for the people with feature
phones. The IVRS will collect Covid-19 data and questions from non-smartphone
users in the state -MHA
The app AROGYA SETHU uses Bluetooth to keep a record of mobile devices that
come in contact with each other.
If a user tests positive for coronavirus, the app will alert all devices the patient’s
phone came in contact with - google play.com

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Scenarios of transmission
Countries or subnational areas will have to respond rapidly to one or more epi-
demiological scenarios. Currently, four transmission scenarios are observed:
1. Countries with no cases (no cases);
2. Countries with one or more cases, imported or locally acquired (sporadic cas-
es);
3. Countries experiencing cases clusters in time, geographic location, or com-
mon exposure (clusters of cases);
4. Countries experiencing larger outbreaks of local transmission (community
transmission).
Based on the largest cohort of COVID-19 patients, about 40% of patients with
COVID-19 may have mild disease, where treatment is mostly symptomatic and
does not require inpatient care; about 40% of patients have moderate disease
that may require inpatient care; 15% of patients will have severe disease that
requires oxygen therapy or other inpatient interventions; and about 5% have crit-
ical disease that requires mechanical ventilation. Scenario and strategic priori-
ties —WHO
Case severity, risk factors -,Mild Moderate, with no risk factors
Patient should be instructed to self-isolate and contact COVID-19 information
line for advice on testing and referral. Test suspected COVID-19 cases according
to diagnostic strategy. Isolation/ cohorting in:
 Health facilities, if resources allow;
 Community facilities (e.g. stadiums, gymnasiums, hotels) with access to rapid
health advice (i.e. adjacent COVID-19 designated health post/EMT-type 1,
telemedicine)4 ;
 Self-isolation at home according to WHO guidance - WHO
Moderate, with risk factors Severe Critical
Patient should be instructed to self-isolate and call COVID-19 hotline for emer-
gency referral as soon as possible. Hospitalization for isolation (or cohorting)
and inpatient treatment. Test suspect COVID-19 cases according to diagnostic
strategy - WHO
In the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, the following item shall be added,
namely:— “(8) masks (2ply & 3ply surgical masks, N95 masks) & hand san-
itizers” as essential commodities whose stocking and selling at higher
price is prohibited . This shall remain in force for a period up to 30th June,
2020 from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

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Current testing strategy - ICMR INDIA
Types of samples: Throat swabs and Nasal swabs
i. All asymptomatic people who have undertaken international travel:
ii. All contacts of laboratory confirmed positive cases:
iii. Health care workers managing respiratory distress / Severe illness should be
tested when they are symptomatic.
iv. Those living in same household with a confirmed case
v. Healthcare workers who examined a confirmed case without adequate pro-
tection as per WHO recommendations
ICMR guidelines for private testing labs
 The tests should be conducted to the persons prescribed by the qualified
physician as per the ICMR guide lines
 All the biosafety and bio security precautions to be undertaken
 Testing kits approved by the ICMR and US FDA could be employed for testing
 Positive samples should be transported to the NIV PUNE
 Negative samples should be destroyed within one week
 Rs 1500 for screening test /preliminary test of the suspected sample
 Rs 3000 for the confirmatory tests—total Rs 4500
Guidance on Rapid antibody kits for COVID-19
 Can be done on blood/serum/plasma
 Test result is available within 30 minutes
 Test comes positive after 7-10 days of infection
 Not recommended for diagnosis of COVID-19 infection
 Positive test indicates exposure to SARS-CoV-2
 Negative test does not rule out COVID-19 infection
Advisory on feasibility of using pooled samples for molecular testing of
COvID-19
A feasibility study was conducted at DHR/ICMR Virus Research & Diag-
nostic Laboratory (VRDL) at King George's Medical University (KGMU),
Lucknow. lt has been demonstrated that performing real-time PCR for
COVID-19 by pooling 5 samples of TS/NS (200 ul/sample) is feasible
when the prevalence rates of infection are low. All individual samples in
a negative pool to be regarded as negative. Deconvoluted testing is rec-
ommended if any of the pool is positive. Pooling of more than 5 samples
is not recommended to avoid the effect of dilution leading to false nega-
tives. - MoHFW

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- MoHFW

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COVID-19: Guidelines on disinfection of common public places
-MoHFW
Indoor areas including office spaces
 Office spaces, including conference rooms should be cleaned every evening
after office hours or early in the morning before the rooms are occupied.
 If contact surface is visibly dirty, it should be cleaned with soap and water
prior to disinfection. Prior to cleaning, the worker should wear disposable
rubber boots, gloves (heavy duty), and a triple layer mask.
 Start cleaning from cleaner areas and proceed towards dirtier areas.
 All indoor areas such as entrance lobbies, corridors and staircases, escala-
tors, elevators, security guard booths, office rooms, meeting rooms, cafeteria
should be mopped with a disinfectant with 1% sodium hypochlorite or phe-
nolic disinfectants.
 For metallic surfaces like door handles, security locks, keys etc. 70% alcohol
can be used to wipe down surfaces where the use of bleach is not suitable.
 Hand sanitizing stations should be installed in office premises (especially at
the entry) and near high contact surfaces.
 In a meeting/conference/office room, if someone is coughing, without follow-
ing respiratory etiquettes or mask, the areas around his/her seat should be
vacated and cleaned with 1% sodium hypochlorite.
 Carefully clean the equipment used in cleaning at the end of the cleaning
process.
 Remove PPE, discard in a disposable PPE in yellow disposable bag and wash
hands with soap and water.
 In addition, all employees should consider cleaning the work area in front of
them with a disinfecting wipe prior to use and sit one seat further away from
others, if possible
Outdoor areas
Outdoor areas have less risk then indoor areas due to air currents and exposure
to sunlight. These include bus stops, railway platforms, parks, roads, etc. Clean-
ing and disinfection efforts should be targeted to frequently touched/
contaminated surfaces as already detailed above.
 Do not use disinfectants spray on potentially highly contaminated areas
(such as toilet bowl or surrounding surfaces) as it may create splashes which
can further spread the virus.
 To prevent cross contamination, discard cleaning material made of cloth
(mop and wiping cloth) in appropriate bags after cleaning and disinfecting.
Wear new pair of gloves and fasten the bag.
 Disinfect all cleaning equipment after use and before using in other area
 Disinfect buckets by soaking in bleach solution or rinse in hot water
 Wear appropriate PPE which would include the following while carrying out
cleaning and disinfection work.
 Wear disposable rubber boots, gloves (heavy duty), and a triple layer mask
completed.

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Advisory for quarantine of migrant workers -by Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA)
1.The migrant workers will remain at their regular place of work/local residence
within the city. They will not be evacuated either by their employer/landlord. Ac-
tion to this effect and to address other related issues will be taken by local ad-
ministration as per advisories being issued by Ministry of Home Affairs.
2. Health actions at place of congregation of migrant workers As some of the mi-
grant workers have already moved in groups and either reached their destina-
tion or are on their way, the health actions would be based on the locations
where the migrant workers are currently located.
 Migrant workers who are in the cities of their local residence
 Migrant workers who are on their way and are yet to reach their destination
city/village
 Migrant workers who have reached their destination
Migrant workers who are in the cities of their local residence
 District health administration will depute a team which would include District
Surveillance Officer/his representative and public health personnel. Thermal
screening of all such persons shall be done by this team.
 Persons found to be suffering for fever shall be further interviewed by this
team for (i) other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19,
(ii) history suggestive of contact with a suspect/confirmed case
of COVID-19. All such persons qualifying these criteria shall be referred to desig-
nated COVID-19 treatment hospital for isolation and testing.
 Those who are not exhibiting any such symptoms would undergo a risk profil-
ing and were shifted to the local quarantine facility with all the basic ameni-
ties.
Migrant workers who are on their way and are yet to reach their destination city/
village
 Setting/establishment of quarantine center—If there are no established quar-
antine centers in the vicinity, a quarantine center will be established that
would conform to the norms as per the checklist communicated already to
States.
 Tested for the symptoms, thermal scanning, profiled, quarantined and sup-
ported
Migrant workers who have reached their destination
 District health administration will depute a team which would include District
Surveillance Officer/his representative and public health personnel. Thermal
screening of all such persons shall be done by this team, ollowed by profiling,
testing and quarantine in their place.

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Guidelines on use of masks for health care workers, patients and
members of public -MoHFW
There are two types of masks which are recommended for various categories of
personnel depending upon the work environment;
1. Triple layer surgical mask
2. N 95 Respirator
Members of Public
There is no scientific evidence to show health benefit of using triple layer masks
for members of public.
Suspect/ probable/confirmed cases of influenza should use Triple layer surgical
mask. The care provider in home care settings should use triple layer mask.
Close family contacts of such cases undergoing home care should also use Tri-
ple layer surgical mask
Security personnel
Security personnel working in an infected/ potentially infected area for example
Influenza ward in a hospital, screening centre etc should use Triple layer surgical
mask.
Hospital Setting
1. Screening Area, Isolation Ward, Ambulance, Mortuary, Disposal
All the staffs and doctors working in the above area should wear triple layered
mask and gloves
2. Critical Care Facility, Laboratory workers and doctors treating COVID-19 pa-
tients should use N-95 mask
N95 Mask
An N95 mask or N95 respirator is a particulate-filtering
facepiece respirator that meets the U.S. NIOSH N95
standard of air filtration, meaning that it filters at least
95% of airborne particles.
During crisis situations where there is a shortage of N95
respirators, such as the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic,
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommend-
ed N95 respirators can be used beyond their manufacturer-designated
shelf life, although components such as the straps and nose bridge materi-
al may degrade, which can affect the quality of the fit and seal, making it
particularly important that the wearer perform the expected seal check
- MoHFW

16. 16
Containment Plan for Large Outbreaks — Novel Coronavirus
Disease 2019
- MoHFW
Strategic Approach
India would be following a scenario based approach for the following possible
scenarios:
i. Travel related case reported in India
ii. Local transmission of COVID-19
iii. Large outbreaks amenable to containment
iv. Wide-spread community Transmission of COVID-19 disease
v. India becomes endemic for COVID-19
Strategic Approach for Scenario: “Travel related cases reported from India”
(i) Inter-Ministerial coordination (Group of Ministers, Committee of Secretaries)
and Centre-State co-ordination been established.
(ii) Early detection through universal screening of all International passengers at
Points of Entries (PoEs).
(iii) Surveillance and contact tracing through Integrated Disease Surveillance
Programme (IDSP) for tracking travellers in the community who have travelled
from affected countries.
(iv) Early diagnosis through testing samples of suspect cases.
(v) Buffer stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) maintained.
(vi) Risk communication for creating awareness among public to follow preven-
tive public health measures
Local transmission of COVID-2019 disease
Local transmission will lead to clustering of cases in time and space, epidemio-
logically linked to a travel related case or a positive case that has links to a trav-
el related case. The cluster containment strategy will be:
 Extensive contact tracing and active search for cases in containment zone
 Testing all suspect cases and high risk contacts
 Isolating all suspect / confirmed cases and providing medical care.
 Quarantining contacts
 Implementing social distancing measures.
 Intensive risk communication.
Large outbreaks amenable to containment
 Defining the area of operation
 Active surveillance for cases and contacts in the identified geographic zone.
 Expanding laboratory capacity for testing all suspect cases, high risk contacts
and SARI cases.

17. 17
 Operationalize surge capacities created for isolation (COVID-19 hospitals/
COVID-19 dedicated blocks) to hospitalize and manage all suspect / con-
firmed cases.
 Implementation of social distancing measures with strict perimeter control.
 Provide chemoprophylaxis with Hydroxy-chloroquine to all asymptomatic
healthcare workers and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory con-
firmed cases.
 Further intensification of risk communication through audio, social and visual
media
Cluster Containment Strategy
The Cluster Containment Strategy would be to contain the disease within a de-
fined geographic area by early detection of cases, breaking the chain of trans-
mission and thus preventing its spread to new areas. This would include geo-
graphic quarantine, social distancing measures, enhanced active surveillance,
testing all suspected cases, isolation of cases, quarantine of contacts and risk
communication to create awareness among public on preventive public health
measures
Containment for large outbreaks through geographic quarantine
Geographic quarantine
Geographic quarantine (cordon sanitaire) strategy calls for near absolute inter-
ruption of movement of people to and from a relatively large defined geographic
area where there is single large outbreak or multiple foci of local transmission of
COVID-19. In simple terms, it is a barrier erected around the focus of infection.
Geographic quarantine shall be applicable to such areas reporting large out-
break and/or multiple clusters of COVID-19 spread over multiple blocks of one
or more districts that are contiguous.
Action Plan for Geographic quarantine
Trigger for Action
Epidemiological intelligence on increase in the incidence of a COVID-19 cases
occurring within a defined geographic area will be trigger for action. This will be
provided by IDSPs early warning and response (EWAR) system. Routine laborato-
ry based surveillance of SARI cases is another trigger for action
Deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRT)
Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
will deploy the Central Rapid Response Team (RRT) to support and advice the
State. The State will deploy its own State RRT and District RRT
Identify area under geographic quarantine
A large outbreak is defined as localized increase in the incidence of a COVID-19
cases occurring within a defined geographic area e.g., in a village, town, or city.
This could also imply progression of a small cluster, earlier noticed for which
cluster management action is under implementation, into multiple clusters.

18. 18
Defining containment and buffer zones:
The area under geographic quarantine will be defined, there shall be (i) contain-
ment zone, surrounded by (ii) buffer zone
Boundary for geographic quarantine will be defined based on :
(i) geospatial distribution of each cluster contained within,
(ii) largest administrative unit containing all clusters occurring within a state
(with a minimum of 1 district),
(iii) feasibility to implement strict interruption of movement of people,
(iv) joint assessment by State and Central RRTs.
Buffer Zone
The adjoining blocks of the affected district or rural districts of the affected city
will be considered as the buffer zone.
Perimeter
Perimeter of the geographically quarantined will be decided by the State admin-
istration and Clear entry and exit points will be established.
Surveillance
Surveillance in containment zone, including contact listing, tracking and follow
up shall be carried out as detailed in Cluster Containment Plan. Contact tracing
shall be as per IDSP guidelines on the same.
Perimeter Control
The perimeter control will ensure that there is no unchecked outward movement
of population from the containment zone except for maintaining essential ser-
vices (including medical emergencies) and government business continuity.
Thermal screening, IEC shall be carried out at all entry and exit points
All vehicular movement, movement of public transport and personnel movement
will be stopped. All roads including rural roads connecting the containment zone
will be guarded by Police. For personnel and vehicles requiring regular move-
ment, a pass/ID card may be issued with details recorded and communicated
In addition to the containment strategies og the people the surge capacity and
the testing capacity the local laboratories and hospitals were increased to meet
out and contain the arising infections

19. 19
Discharge Policy
Discharge policy for suspected cases of COVID-19 tested negative will be based
on the clinical assessment of the treating physician. For those tested positive for
COVID-19, their discharge from hospital will be based on consecutive two sam-
ples tested negative and the patient is free from symptoms
Bio-medical waste management
A large quantity of bio-medical waste is expected to be generated from contain-
ment zone. Arrangement would also be required for such bio-medical waste
(discarded PPEs, etc.) preferably by utilizing the bio-medical waste management
services at the designated hospital.
Standard Precautions to be followed by health care workers while
handling dead bodies of COVID 19 affected
 All staff identified to handle dead bodies in the isolation area, mortuary, am-
bulance and those workers in the crematorium / burial ground should wear
PPE while handling the dead body.
 The equipments used or the dead patient should be disinfected, all the
tubes, catheters, linen must be incinerated.
 Place the dead body in leak-proof plastic body bag. The exterior of the body
bag can be decontaminated with 1% hypochlorite. The body bag can be
wrapped with a mortuary sheet or sheet provided by the family members
 Dead bodies should be stored in cold chambers maintained at approximately
4°C.
 After removing the body, the chamber door, handles and floor should be
cleaned with sodium hypochlorite 1% solution.
 Embalming of dead body should not be allowed.
 Autopsies should be avoided. If autopsy is to be performed for special rea-
sons, the following infection prevention control practices should be adopted
 The Crematorium/ burial Ground staff should be sensitized that COVID 19
does not pose additional risk.
 Viewing of the dead body by unzipping the face end of the body bag (by the
staff using standard precautions) may be allowed, for the relatives to see the
body for one last time.
 Religious rituals such as reading from religious scripts, sprinkling holy water
and any other last rites that does not require touching of the body can be al-
lowed.
 The ash does not pose any risk and can be collected to perform the last rites.
 Large gathering at the crematorium/ burial ground should be avoided as a
social distancing measure

20. 20
 The funeral/ burial staff and family members should perform hand hy-
giene after cremation/ burial.
 The ash does not pose any risk and can be collected to perform the last
rites.
 Large gathering at the crematorium/ burial ground should be avoided as
a social distancing measure as it is possible that close family contacts
may be symptomatic and/ or shedding the virus.
Zoning COVID-19 India
The proposed extended lockdown period is likely to divide India into red, orange
and green zones, depending upon the number of coronavirus cases during the
said period. Moreover, even the safe zones might also be allowed to run only
limited services.
 The division of the three zones is likely to go as follows — the red zone will
comprise of districts with the maximum number of cases (over 15), or the
ones that are declared hotspots, and will be barred from any kind of activi-
ties.
 Districts with up to 15 cases, showing no signs of an increase in number, will
fall under the orange zone and will be allowed minimum activities like limited
public transport and harvesting of farm products.
 Lastly, the green zone will have districts with zero cases of COVID-19, and
MSMEs with in-house lodging facilities, proper hygiene and social distanc-
ing norms, will be allowed to operate.
The Centre has declared 170 districts hotspots, or red zones, of the novel coro-
na virus, Tamil Nadu comes first with 22 districts, followed by Maharashtra (11),
Andhra Pradesh (11), Delhi (9) and Uttar Pradesh (9)
Advisory against spraying of disinfectant on people for COVID-19 management
 Spraying of individuals or groups is NOT recommended under any circum-
stances. Spraying an individual or group with chemical disinfectants is
physically and psychologically harmful.
 Even if a person is potentially exposed with the COVID-19 virus, spraying
the external part of the body does not kill the virus that has entered your
body. Also there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they are effective
even in disinfecting the outer clothing/body in an effective manner.
 Spraying of chlorine on individuals can lead to irritation of eyes and skin
and potentially gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting. Inha-
lation of sodium hypochlorite can lead to irritation of mucous membranes
to the nose, throat, respiratory tract and may also cause bronchospasm.
- MoHFW

21. 21
Guidelines for farmers and farming sector during lockdown period
due to COVID-19 — MoAFW
Agricultural and allied activities exempted from lockdown*
i. Veterinary hospitals
ii. Agencies engaged in procurement of agriculture products, including MSP op-
erations
iii. ‘Mandis’ operated by the Agriculture Produce Market Committee or as noti-
fied by the State Government
iv. Farming operations by farmers and farm workers in the field
v. Custom hiring centres (CHC) related to farm machinery
vi. Manufacturing and packaging units of Fertilizers, Pesticides and Seeds
vii. Intra and inter-state movement of harvesting and sowing related machines
like combined harvester and other agriculture/ horticulture implements
Advisory for farmers - Harvesting & threshing of crops
Amidst the threat of COVID-19 spread, the rabi crops are approaching maturity.
Harvesting and handling of the produce including its movement to the market
are inevitable as the agricultural operations are time bound. However, famers
are to follow precautions and safety measures to be taken to prevent the dis-
ease spread.
 Measures of personal hygiene and social distancing to be followed by those
engaged in harvesting of all field crops, fruits, vegetables, eggs and fishes
before, during and after executing the field operation.
 In case of manual field operations of harvesting/ picking, accomplish the op-
eration in 4-5 feet spaced strips assigning one strip to one person. This will
ensure adequate spacing between the engaged labours.
 All the persons engaged should use masks and ensure hand washing with
shop at reasonable intervals.
 Maintain safe distance of 3-4 feet during rest, taking of meals, transfer of
produce at collection point, loading/unloading.
 Prefer mechanized operations over the manual wherever feasible. Only the
essential numbers of persons should be allowed to accompany the machine.
 All machines should be sanitized at the entry point and at regular intervals.
All transport vehicles, gunny bags or other packaging material should also be
sanitized
 The collection of the produce may be done in small heaps spaced at 3-4
feets and field level processing should be assigned to 1-2 persons/heap to
avoid crowding.
 Proper sanitation and cleanliness of threshers for harvested maize and
groundnut is to be maintained especially when machines are shared and
used by farmer groups. Copious washing of machine parts frequently
touched with soap is advised.

22. 22
 Stagger the field operations wherever possible and avoid engaging more
number of persons on the same day.
 Engage only familiar persons to the extent possible and after reasonable en-
quiry as to avoid the entry of any suspect or likely carrier during field activity.
Post-harvest, storage and Marketing of farm produce
 While performing drying, threshing, winnowing, cleaning, grading, sorting and
packaging operations at the farm level, wearing of protective face mask may
help against aerosols and dust particles to prevent respiratory difficulties.
 Ensure proper drying prior to storage of harvested grains, millets, pulses at
farm/home and do not use reuse previous seasons jute bags to prevent pest
infestation. Use treated and dried gunnies after soaking in 5% neem solu-
tion.
 Adequate pre-cautions to be taken for storage of produce at the farm in jute
bags that are made available in sufficient numbers to farmers or in nearby
cold storages/ godowns / warehouses, if needed for better price realization
 Adequate personal safety measures to be taken for loading and transporting
of farm produce and while participating in sale at market yards/ auction plat-
forms
 Seed producer farmers are permitted to transport to seed companies with
supporting documents and to follow precautions while receiving payments
 Seed processing/packaging plants and transportation of seed from seed pro-
ducing states to growing states (South to north) is essential to make availa-
ble seed for ensuing kharif crops eg. SSG seed for green fodder for sowing in
April in north comes from southern states
 Precautions to be followed for direct marketing/ supply of vegetables such as
tomato, cauliflower, green leafy vegetables, cucumbers and other cucurbits
from farms
Standing field crops
 The temperature in most of the wheat growing areas is still below long-term
average and likely to delay wheat harvesting by at least 10-15 days beyond
April 10, therefore, farmers can delay wheat harvesting till April 20 without
incurring any significant loss, which gives enough time to manage logistics
for procurement and announcement of dates
 Rabi Paddy in grain filling stage in southern states is widely affected due to
neck blast incidence, adequate pre-cautions to be taken while spraying of
recommended fungicide by contract sprayers/ farmers
 In case of any unseasonal rain at harvesting stage in paddy, spray 5% salt
solution to prevent seed germination
 In horticultural crops at fruiting stage such as mango, while carrying out field
operations related to nutrient sprays and crop protection adequate precau-
tions in handling of inputs, mixing, delivery and washing of equipment is to
be undertaken
 In summer pulses in rice fallows, whitefly management with proper safety
measures may be taken up to prevent yellow mosaic virus incidence

23. 23
Travel Advisory –COVID-19 by Bureau of Immigration, MHA
The following travel restriction shall also come into effect from 1200 GMT on
March 18, 2020:
1. All incoming passenger traffic, on all 107 Immigration Check Posts which
includes all Airport ICPs, all Seaport ICPs all Land Port ICPs, all Rail Port ICPs
and all River Port ICPs, is prohibited, in the view of the spread of COVID-19.
Vehicles/Trains carrying goods for the trade or essential goods and supplies are
exempted from this prohibition along with their crew, driver, helper, cleaner etc.
subject to their thorough screening by the medical staff for COVID-19.
2. All passengers coming from European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Nether-
lands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), Euro-
pean Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland),
Turkey and United Kingdom have been prohibited from entering India from any
of the Land/Air/Seaport ICPs. This restriction shall come into effect from 1200
hrs GMT on March 18, 2020 at the port of first departure, and shall remain till
further orders and is a temporary measure.
3. The earlier visa restrictions, as mentioned below, shall also remain in
force;
i. All existing visas issued to nationals of any country except those issued to
Diplomats, Official passport holders, those in UN / International organizations,
those on Employment, Project visas and those who are operating aircrew of
scheduled commercial airlines, and who had not yet entered India, stand sus-
pended w.e.f. 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 till May 03, 2020.
ii. Visas of all foreign nationals already in India remain valid. They may contact
the nearest FRRO/FRO through e-FRRO module for extension/ conversion etc. of
their visa or grant of any consular service. Visa services granted on account of
COVID-19 are GRATIS.
iii. The validity of OCI card of foreigners presently in India shall remain.
iv. Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders who are not in India pres-
ently, has been kept in abeyance till May 03, 2020. This has come into effect
from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of any foreigner for
onward journey to India.
v. Any foreign national (including OCI cardholder) who intends to travel to India
for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission for fresh visa.
vi. International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated
Immigration Checkposts that have been notified by MHA vide O.M.
No.25022/12/2017-Imm dated March 14, 2020.

24. 24
Mandatory compliance of travel advisory issued by Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare, GoI.
i. Travel of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines, Malaysia to India is pro-
hibited with immediate effect. No Flight shall take-off from these countries to
India after 1500 hours Indian Standard Time (IST). The Airlines shall enforce
this at the port of initial departure. These instructions shall remain in force till
1830 hrs GMT of May 03, 2020.
ii. Passengers travelling from / having visited Italy or Republic of Korea and
desirous of entering India will need certificate of having tested negative from
COVID-19 from the designated laboratories authorized by Health Authority of
these countries. This is enforcement since 0000 hrs. of March 10, 2020 and is
a temporary measure till cases of COVID-19 subside.
iii. All incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having
visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after
Feb. 15, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will
come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure.
iv. All passengers coming from UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait will be placed
under compulsory quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days which shall
come into effect from 1200 hrs GMT on March 18, 2020 at the port of first de-
parture.
v. Incoming travellers including Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-
essential travel and are informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum
period of 14 days on their arrival in India.
vi. Indian nationals are further strongly advised to refrain from travel to China,
Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, Japan, France, Spain & Germany.
vii. All incoming international passengers returning to India should self-monitor
their health and follow required do’s and don’ts as detailed by the Government.
viii. International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated
check posts with robust screening facilities. These have been notified separate-
ly by Ministry of Home Affairs.
ix. All international passengers entering into India are required to furnish duly
filled self-declaration form in duplicate (including personal particulars i.e. phone
no. and address in India) (as annexed) to Health Officials and Immigration offi-
cials and undergo Universal Health Screening at the designated health counters
at all Points of Entry

25. 25
Conclusion
Though the virus is new, stumbling the world and freezing the normalcy
the governments around the world were at the frontier to fight against this invisi-
ble enemy, Indian government proved to be proactive and deliberate to prevent
its people from the novel corona virus, from the month of January the GOI have
started to impose restrictions on foreign passenger and they have responded
quickly to the emerging issues, the ICMR, sole health organization of India been
the key authority in framing the SOPs and the plans to control and limit the vi-
rus, the ministry of home affairs and the ministry health and family welfare has
been coming up with various models and regulations to be followed in the coun-
try to reduce the spread of infection. The State governments too on their part
has followed several measures and initiatives to withhold the public health. The
ministries have developed specialized portals and web pages for circulating
credible information to the public and also they have specialized toll free no's to
clear the doubts of the people and patients, they also have developed apps and
tools to monitor the quarantined persons. The health advisory and strategy is
been updated from wearing masks to implementing rapid antibody tests to
pooled tests to hasten the process of testing, also the government have an-
nounced incentives to the manufacturers of masks, medicine, sanitizers to
boost the production.
The governments have implemented various initiatives and regulations in the
view to get rid of the virus from the country and at the end it is us as the citizens
of India have to show our responsibility by abiding the rules of the government
to win the battle against corona.
References
https://stopcorona.tn.gov.in/important-information/
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/
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