IT and ITes companies to be allowed to operate in red zones during lockdown 3.0

IT and ITes companies will be allowed to operate even in the red zones, says the latest circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Most of the commercial and private establishments have been allowed in the Red Zones. This includes print and electronic media, IT and IT-enabled services, data and call centres, and so on says the notification.

Apart from that, the manufacturing of IT hardware and manufacturing units of packaging material will continue to be permitted. Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Export Oriented Units (EOUs), industrial estates and industrial townships with access control have been permitted.

The other industrial activities that are permitted are manufacturing units of essential good including drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, their raw materials, and intermediates. Furthermore, production units that require continuous process and their supply chain, and offices with up to 33 percent workforce will also be allowed to open.

Guidelines to be followed by IT and ITes companies during the extended lockdown

The establishments mentioned above will be allowed to operate as long as they strictly follow these ensuing guidelines:

1. Wearing a face cover or mask is mandatory in all public places and office complexes.
2. Social distancing should be maintained in workplaces.
3. All workplaces will have to make adequate arrangements for temperature screening and to provide sanitizers.
4. A gap of one hour between shifts, and staggered lunch breaks to staff will have to be ensured to maintain social distancing.
5. People above 65 years of age must be encouraged to work from home.
6. Downloading of Aarogya Setu app must be encouraged.
7. Large meetings must be discouraged, and office complexes should be sanitized between shifts.
8. Transportation facilities with 30 to 40 percent capacity must be arranged for workers coming in from outside.
9. Medical insurance for workers should be made mandatory.