LAHORE: The Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (PSHD) has granted conditional permission to reopen gymnasiums, health clubs, salons and barbershops under a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines during the lockdown.

PSHD Secretary retired Captain Muhammad Usman has issued notifications to all authorities that on the recommendations of Technical Working Group, gymnasium and health clubs will make sure hand hygiene and provide facility for handwashing with soap or sanitizer on the premises. Both gymnasium staff and its members will wear face mask. Gymnasiums will allow only 50 per cent of the total members’ capacity at the one time to avoid crowding and maintain social distancing, says a handout.

The secretary said that members will also be encouraged to keep two metre distance from each other even if that involves leaving one machine empty. He added furniture, doors, chairs and other high touch surfaces should be disinfected with 0.05 per cent chlorine solution prepared on a daily basis.

He said that it is compulsory for members to bring their own towels which would not be shared with other members. Health club management will ensure the cleanliness of the exercise machines by use of detergent frequently.

Gymnasium should have cross ventilation system while air-conditioned gymnasium is not allowed. Sanuas, swimming pools and steam rooms will remain closed. Gym members cannot stay at the gym more than 45 minutes.

Muhammad Usman said that mandatory temperature check will be ensured within the gym facility and upon entry at the club reception. He said that management will call on corona helpline 1033 for information and guidance in case of appearing any symptoms.

As per notifications, salons and beauty parlours must follow the policy of one customer and a customer can wait a maximum 15 minutes inside the waiting area. Customers must be persuaded to cover faces with masks or with a piece of cloth.

While sneezing or coughing mouth must be covered with the elbow and later on must wash hands. Garbage, waste of hair must be disposed of in a pit or must be handed over to waste management companies. A towel must not be used twice over another person it would be encouraged to use a paper towel. Towel and usable cloth must be washed.

Metallic tools like scissor, nail cutter, tweezer and other items should be disinfected with alcohol-based disinfectant. Chlorine should be avoided due to its corrosive action which may damage the tools. The staff of the salons and barbershops will use disposable foam, sponge and other porous tools and discard them after singe use.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2020