In Lockdown 4.0 Offices Are Allowed To Function, But You Will Find It Difficult To Reach As Public Transport Is Still Off

Lockdown 4.0 has come into effect from Monday and will be in place till May 31. And unlike in the past, Lockdown 4.0 comes with a lot of relaxations, especially in green and orange zones, where life is almost going back to being normal.

While the implementation of the guidelines is now the prerogative of the states, the Centre has stated categorically that ¡°all other activities will be permitted, except those which are specifically prohibited," in non-containment zones.

One of the key steps that have been taken for 'going back to normal' is allowing offices to function in full capacity.

Both private and government offices in green and orange zones have been allowed to operate in full capacity as against the 33 per cent which was permitted till now.

BCCL

However, the 33 percent will be applicable in red zones and offices in containment zones will remain shut.

Though they have been allowed to function in full capacity, most offices are not keen on having their employees back at the desk yet.

BCCL

One of the reasons is the lack of public transport, which a large section uses every day to commute to and from offices.

Public transport including trains and buses are still not allowed to function and cabs can only be operated with limited capacity. This means that only those with own car or bike can make it to office. Companies will also find it difficult to provide pick and drop facilities for its employees, while maintaining social distancing.

Another thing that has made companies extend work from home for its employees for now is safety concerns.

Even the Union Home Ministry in its guidelines had said that as far as possible, work from home should be followed and staggered work hours should be adopted in respect of all offices and other establishments.

UNSPLASH

Other guidelines include

Staggering of work/business hours shall be followed in offices, work places, shops, markets and industrial and commercial establishments

Provision for thermal scanning, hand wash and sanitizer to be made at all entry and exit points and common areas

Frequent sanitization of entire workplace and common facilities and all points which come into human contact eg door handles etc shall be ensured, including between shifts

All people in charge of workplaces shall ensure social distancing through adequate distance between workers, adequate gaps between shifts, staggering the lunch break of staff.

Earlier, the government had made it mandatory for offices, both private and government to have the Aarogy Setu app installed on their phones.