New Delhi: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Thursday issued a fresh advisory to resident welfare associations, apartment complexes and housing societies to tighten surveillance in view of the sharp rise in the number of COVID cases in Karnataka.
To strengthen surveillance, the entire apartment complex will be declared a ‘containment zone’ for at least seven days in case of more than three COVID cases. as well, All residents will be tested, detailed contact tracing and surveillance will be done, the BBMP said in a new advisory issued on Thursday.
Here is the latest advisory issued by BBMP to Resident Welfare Associations:
- Ensure that all residents, home helpers and visitors are checked for temperature, mask at the entry point and provision for hand sanitisation/hand washing will be provided.
- Common areas such as floors, railings, surfaces, etc. that may be touched by multiple people can be cleaned using sodium hypochlorite, bleaching power, or any effective disinfectant to maintain the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene.
- Common areas such as walkways and parks used for walking or jogging can be used subject to strict maintenance of proper COVID practices (masks, social distancing). These places should not be converted into socializing/meeting places.
- Common groups of RWAs (MyGet, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) can be used to encourage vaccination coverage and spread awareness using official communication materials shared by the BBMP. However, sharing random forwards related to COVID without confirming the source of infection should be avoided.
- Avoid the use of gymnasiums, sports facilities, swimming pools. The operations and permitted numbers will be strict as per the prevailing Government of India and GOK guidelines.
- Wearing of masks by the children shall be ensured at all times in open spaces and play areas by the parents and the members of the Association.
- Parents are advised to counsel their children on the status of COVID-19 and the importance of preventive measures so that children can understand the reason behind the limitations imposed on their activities.
- Events/Assemblies in Club House or Community Hall will preferably be avoided if the inevitable does not exceed 50 members.
- Housing societies should adhere to segregated waste disposal with a fixed space to be identified and used for dumping waste in different bins.
- Sanitization of lift operating buttons by regular cleaning. Arrangements will be made to sanitize at the entry/exit points of the lift.
- The community will collaborate with public health authorities for routine testing, vaccination, surveys, prevention and other COVID related activities. If a positive case is detected in the community, RWAs and residents will cooperate in surveillance activities.
- Containment strategy for RWAs – If more than 3 cases are reported within the floor of the apartment complex, or 100 meters perimeter or above and below. or in the case of full blocks or smaller apartments, the complete apartment complex shall be declared a “containment zone” for at least seven days. The following are considerations for the CZ within the RWA. Members and residents shall cooperate accordingly.
1. If there is one case on each floor, then there are different houses on those floors.
2. If 3 cases are on one floor, then the whole floor.
3. If a tower has 10 cases, either single floor or multiple floors, the entire tower.
4. If 50 cases in an apartment complex of 50-100 houses/100 cases in an apartment complex of 100 houses completes the apartment complex. - If containment is declared, all residents of the area will be tested. Detailed contact tracing and surveillance activities will be conducted. All households will be surveyed for the health of vulnerable population.
- Testing of all populations within containment zones as appropriate, if symptomatic, is mandatory.
- Testing of all primary contacts and secondary contacts if symptomatic is appropriate and mandatory. All the contacts will be under quarantine till the declaration of the exam results. All contacts within the CZ will be quarantined for the duration of the CZ notification.
- It will be the duty of the Resident Welfare Association (RWA)/Society to ensure that those who have been advised home quarantine stay in their homes and do not move around the society, community places or the city recklessly. Health officials will stick posters of home quarantine for those who have been recommended to do so. Violation of any kind of quarantine can lead to uncontrolled spread of infection throughout the community.
- The RWAs should ensure that any resident who has symptoms of COVID or is suspected to have come in contact with a positive case, is informed to the Zonal Health Officers of the BBMP and will be able to take necessary action like testing, tracking, tracking etc. cooperation will be made. Quarantine and isolation.
- The RWA should see that no covid positive resident is stigmatized by others in the society and there is no misbehavior harassment of the affected resident, neighbors can stay in touch with the affected resident family through phone, whatsapp, video call etc.
- If a resident or his family members have traveled interstate, it is ideal to ensure that they are tested and report RT-PCR negative, especially from countries notified as “high risk”. Also in the states of Kerala, Maharashtra and Goa. (Subject to change as per prevailing guidelines) If not, they will be advised to undergo RT-PCR test and remain in home quarantine till the result is declared or as per prevailing Govt. guidelines.
- Parents are advised to counsel their children on the status of COVID-19 and the importance of preventive measures to ensure that children understand the reason behind the limitations imposed on their activity.
- The health of all elderly (above 6 years) and high-risk populations, such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, patients with a history of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, immuno-compromising conditions, and if any, will be regularly monitored for COVID-19. Will immediately inform the health authorities of BBMP for testing and further assistance if symptoms are observed.
- Services related to emergency/essential services like medical, plumbing. Electricity, cooking gas, water supply etc should be procured strictly following the due diligence of COVID. It is advised to ensure all visitors are screened and fully vaccinated.
- Make sure all residents are fully vaccinated
- Make sure all support, security and other staff are fully vaccinated.
- BBMP marshals and regional health officials have been entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing the COVID aprime behavior across the city. They may visit apartment complexes or housing societies without any prior notice, KWA and residents will cooperate accordingly.
- RWAs may constitute internal committees task forces for effective communication, monitoring and containment of COVID-19.
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