Meghalaya issues SOP for opening of Dhabas along the National Highway; Check details here

Guwahati: Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Meghalaya government has issued a set of guidelines for the tea stalls, dhabas, and other food outlets along the National Highway to take suitable measures to restrict any further transmission of the pathogen.

As per the Government's notification, all the tea stalls/Dhabas/Restaurants shall ensure the following arrangements:

• Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser and hand washing area).

• Only asymptomatic staff and patrons shall be allowed.

• All staff and patrons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks. The face cover/masks has to be worn at all times inside the premise.

• Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.

• Staggering of people to be done, if possible.

• Adequate manpower shall be deployed by restaurant management for ensuring social distancing norms.

• Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises — duly following social distancing norms shall be ensured.

• Additional patrons to be seated in a designated waiting area with norms of social distancing.

• Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.

• Required precautions while handling supplies, inventories and goods in the premise shall be ensured. Proper queue management and disinfection shall be organized.

• Maintaining physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, when queuing up for entry as far as feasible.

• Seating arrangement to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained. Not more than 50% of seating capacity to be permitted.

• Disposable menus are advised to be used in case the outlet has a menu card.

• Use of good quality disposable paper napkins to be encouraged.

• Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, buttons, handrails, benches, washroom, etc.) to be made mandatory in all guest service area and common areas.

• Proper disposal of face covers/masks/gloves left over by patrons and/or staff should be ensured.

• Deep cleaning of all washrooms shall be ensured at regular intervals.

• Staff should wear mask and hand gloves and take other required precautionary measures.

• Tables to be sanitized each time customer leaves.

• In the kitchen, the staff should follow social distancing norms at the workplace and wear masks. The kitchen area must be sanitized at regular intervals.

In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises, the following steps have to be taken:

a. Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.

b. Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.

c. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.

d. A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly, further action shall be initiated regarding the management of a case, his/her contacts, and the need for disinfection.

e. The disinfection of the premises shall be taken up if the person is found positive.

Meghalaya COVID-19 Update:

Twenty-nine more people tested positive for the coronavirus in Meghalaya on Monday, taking the northeastern state's tally to 3,034, a health department official said.

The death toll rose to 17 after a retired police officer, 71, from East Khasi Hills district succumbed to the disease, Health Services Director Aman War said.

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