Islamabad: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, in consultation with the Ministry of National Health Services, recently issued a series of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for general businesses for containing further COVID-19 spread, according to news sources.
Retailers, shopkeepers and members of the business community have been asked to carefully observe precautionary measures to avoid the viral spread of the novel coronavirus. These SOPs are to be applicable on all small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including retailers, wholesalers, and repair and maintenance outlets. However, large shopping malls and retail complexes with multiple outlets within one building, and central entrances and exits, are exempted from complying with these SOPs.
Under the SOPs, all businesses are to provide hand-washing facilities with soaps or sanitizers to all their customers and employees. The sales staff are also required to wear face masks at all times, wear gloves while handling currency, and to wash their hands multiple times a day.
In addition, business outlets have been asked to allow only a limited number of people within their premises at one time in order to ensure social distancing — with the elderly and children not permitted for the time being. The SOPs also state that shops should be well-lit and ventilated.
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