This story is from August 10, 2020

Industry bodies ask Goa government to tweak SOP for units

A week after the health department asked the industrial units in the state to adhere to certain standard operating procedures, including a suggestion to conduct random sero testing, the industry bodies have sought certain changes.
Industry bodies ask Goa government to tweak SOP for units
Photo used for representational purpose only
PANAJI: A week after the health department asked the industrial units in the state to adhere to certain standard operating procedures, including a suggestion to conduct random sero testing, the industry bodies have sought certain changes. In a joint representation, industry bodies have stated that industries, especially small SMEs, lack the ability to carry out sero surveillance in industrial estates and want the department to drop it from the SOP.

The state government had also made thermal screening and the Arogya Setu app mandatory, which is not only impractical but also dangerous, said industry leaders.
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Confederation of Indian Industry, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Goa State Industries Association and Verna Industries Association have submitted a joint representation to chief minister Pramod Sawant and health minister Vishwajit Rane.
Sero surveillance provides estimates of antibody levels against infectious diseases and is considered the gold standard for measuring population immunity due to past infection. At present, sero surveillance is being utilised by the health department to assess the spread of Covid.
The SOP issued by the health department on July 30 had made it mandatory for each industrial unit to conduct thermal screening for all staff thrice a day, including at the workplace after lunch. In addition, the Arogya Setu app should also be monitored. Industry representatives stated that thermal screening in the office areas is not a concern, but similar screening in the manufacturing area is unsafe and can lead to accidents.
The industry associations have stated that many contract staff cannot afford smartphones.
They have stated that since N-95 masks are not available in adequate quantities, organisations should be allowed to use FFP2 masks for persons working in critical and packaging areas.
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