Tag: COVID

Cloth + Surgical Mask or an N95/FFP2 – Explaining the science
Health

Is your cloth mask good enough to keep COVID at bay? Think twice

Jan 25, 2022 by Praveen 0 Comments #cloth mask, #COVID

Let’s begin by understanding the differences between cloth masks, surgical masks and respirators. A cloth mask is a loose-fitting mask that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. A surgical mask is a 3-ply mask meant to be used by medical personnel during procedures. N95 respirators, on the other hand, are personal protective equipment that protect the wearer from airborne particles and aerosols from entering the respiratory system.

The N95/FFP2 ranks as a high barrier to transmission of flu, infection, and inevitable air-borne viruses. Rigorously tested for several transmission conditions, N95/FFP2 masks usually use five-layers with electrostatically charged melt-blown filters that provide adequate protection from airborne particulates aerosols as small as 0.3 microns. This means that it has the power to filter out most bacterial, viral and particulate aerosols. Such masks are designed to give the optimum fit which means leakage from the sides of the mask are also minimized. Recent findings of United States-based American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) shows that N95 mask gives fifty-five times longer protection from transmission of infection between two people wearing N95 masks as compared to two people wearing cloth masks. ACGIH is focused on occupational and environmental health and safety in industries.

The advanced construct of a good quality BIS approved FFP2 mask like Savlon which is comparable to an N95 mask has a splash resistant outer layer, a sweat or moisture resistant inner layer and one or more electrostatically charged melt-blown filter layers. Electrostatically charged Melt Blown filters enhance the masks’ ability to trap infectious aerosols and is the differentiator when it comes to achieving high levels of filtration while also providing for relative ease of breathing.

Proper usage

Studies from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have found that a surgical mask blocked 59% of respiratory aerosols from a cough, whereas a three-layer cotton mask blocked 51% of these aerosols, compared to an N95 mask which blocked up to 95% of the aerosols.

Having understood the benefits, we should also be aware of the right manner of usage for respirators. Masks should be worn cautiously, when outdoors or overcrowded indoors, ensuring that it covers the nose and the mouth and minimizes any gaps. If you are wearing a FFP2 or N-95 mask, double masking must be avoided. Instead, one can look at wearing a multi-layered N-95 mask such as Savlon FFP2 S Mask that uses an advanced five-layer filtration system with electrostatically charged melt-blown filters which enhances its filtering ability.

Also, hand hygiene comes into the picture before wearing a mask and after removing it, and always dispose responsibly as per instructions on pack. We should be aware that this not only act as a preventive facial respirator, but it has also become an important aspect towards a healthy lifestyle.

Before we go, a quick reminder – While wearing masks, any masks –

  1. Ensure hand-hygiene before wearing and after removing mask
  2. Ensure best fit and tight seal for full protection – with no gaps along the sides.
  3. Ensure coverage from the ridge of your nose down to under your chin
  4. Avoid repeatedly touching or adjusting your mask
News

Gender pay gap deepens during COVID with women left behind on pay rises, bonuses: ADP expert says long-term strategy needed to eradicate

Dec 9, 2021 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #ADP expert, #bonus, #COVID, #Gender pay gap, #pay raise, #Women

Women are being left behind when it comes to financial compensation during COVID-19 and HR experts say the answer is not as simple as increasing salaries or flexibility.

In India, only 65 percent of women received a pay rise or bonus for taking on extra responsibilities or a new role compared to 70 percent of men, according to ADP’s study People at Work 2021: A Global Workforce View.

This disparity exists despite the study finding that men and women were just as likely to take on additional responsibilities or a new role due to COVID-19-related impacts on their organizations.

Yvonne Teo, Vice President of HR in Asia Pacific of the payroll solutions provider, ADP, explains that bonuses is just one of many factors that have contributed to an increased gender pay gap since the onset of the pandemic.

“The gender pay gap is an issue that goes much deeper than salaries. There are many factors to consider such as the social dynamics of society, what government support is available, and the culture of a workplace,” Teo said.

“As an HR leader, I’m often asked what businesses can do about an issue that is so interlinked to broader society. As the saying goes, what doesn’t get measured doesn’t get managed. Having real-time, accurate, accessible, and transparent payroll data is critically important. It means organizations can create greater visibility of the issue and establish a benchmark to monitor progress.”

However, Teo highlights that narrowing the differences in employees’ pay slips is just a small part of the solution as gender parity needs to form part of every decision a business makes.

“It doesn’t happen overnight. To effectively and sustainably eradicate a pay gap, there needs to be a long-term strategy over three or five years with targets and frameworks in place that cover the employee life cycle, from talent acquisition and promotions to departure and internal education.

“Without a dedicated and continued focus on diversity, equity and inclusion across the business, we will see a repeat of the backward steps taken during COVID-19 on gender disparity.”

ADP’s study also reveals there is still judgement for taking advantage of flexible working arrangements (71 percent of females and 64 percent of males feel judged).

“There has been a lot of talk since the beginning of COVID-19 about increased flexibility to support women – particularly mothers and carers – to stay and progress in their careers. But flexibility is not a “cure-all”,” Teo said.

“To address the gender pay gap it’s just as important, if not more important, for men to also embrace flexible working and take on more household responsibilities from their female partners.”

Rahul Goyal, Managing Director – ADP India, said there are implications on employee satisfaction if companies do not solve the issue, which is particularly challenging amidst the current demand for talent.

“Employees’ perceptions of fairness play a critical part in their sense of loyalty and dedication, which in turn impact productivity and talent retention, and more widely, reputation. If women start to feel that their efforts are being overlooked – especially in reference to their male colleagues – that’s a situation employers will want to avoid at all costs,” Goyal explained.

“The impacts of COVID-19 have shown how far we still have to go in eradicating systemic inequality and closing the gender pay gap.”

Manthan School ground floor with 40 bed capacity operational as COVID isolation centre
Health, News

Manthan School ground floor with 40 bed capacity operational as COVID isolation centre

May 17, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #COVID, #The Covid isolation centre, #The Manthan School

Noida: Mahagun Group, a reputed real estate developer of the North region, has set up a 40 bed facility in the ground floor of The Manthan School, located in Sector 78, Noida. The school’s ground floor was decided to be converted into an L-1 hospital for COVID patients. The Group has pledged the school’s ground floor to Noida Authority until 30th June 2021. Noida Authority has developed & is now managing their center.

The Covid isolation centre would be catering to hundreds of Covid patients in the nearby vicinity with the support of expert doctors empanelled only for the facility. Mahagun Group has always been known for extending their support for community welfare, and with this Covid care facility set up in their school premises they have stood by their pledge to support the society in times of pandemic. After June 30, the school will resume normal operations as a learning institution. The support is extended due to the shortage of beds, a significant hurdle in the fight against COVID.

A spokesperson from Mahagun Group said “We are glad to contribute to our society in the times of crisis like a global pandemic. This 40 bed facility will significantly reduce the worries of infected people in the vicinity. We hope every patient entering this facility returns safely back to their homes after getting treatment from here.”

Business World

Amazon India Strengthens its Operational Footprint in Bihar: Launches its First Fulfilment Center

Sep 19, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Abhinav Singh, #Amazon India, #COVID, #Fulfilment Centre (FC)

Patna, September 2020: Ahead of the festive season, Amazon India announced the launch of its first Fulfilment Centre (FC), in Bihar. With more thana lakh cubic feet of storage space, the new fulfilment centre will be located in Patna and help better serve customers within the region and neighbouring states. The new FC is specialized for large appliances and furniture and will be instrumental in enabling sellers in Bihar to reach out to customers across the country, further boosting their market presence.

“We are consistently working on extending our reach to customers, across the country. At the outset of India’s biggest festive season, we are happy to expand our operational presence in Bihar which will help boost small and medium businesses and create work opportunities for people in the state. We are confident that the new Fulfilment Centre will provide a delightful experience to our customers with a wider range of products, as they continue to stay safe at their homes.” Said, Abhinav Singh, Director, Amazon Transportation Services, Amazon India.

Amazon has created one of the most advanced fulfilment networks and sellers in India have been benefitting from Amazon’s expertise in fulfilment, reliable nationwide delivery and customer service. When using Fulfilment By Amazon (FBA), sellers across India send their products to Amazon’s FCs and once an order is placed, Amazon picks, packs & ships the order to the customer, provides customer service and manages returns on behalf of the sellers. The new specialized FC in Bihar will store thousands of products in the large appliances category consisting of air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines & TVs and from a selection of products in the furniture category.

Amazon’s presence in Bihar:

• A fulfilment centre in Bihar with more than 1 lakh cubic feet of storage space
• A Sort Centre to sort and deliver packages to delivery stations
• Robust delivery network with more than 65 Amazon-owned and Service Partner delivery stations in the State
• More than 8000 sellers in Bihar
• Thousands of ‘I Have Space’ stores in Bihar
• Top categories include – Smartphones, large appliances, fashion, consumer electronics and grocery

Amazon India places tremendous value and focuses on the well-being and safety of its people across the fulfilment network. In light of current COVID situation, the company continues to work closely with the health officials and in line with Amazon’s global standards have implemented close to 100 changes in its operational processes, including social distancing and daily temperature checks on entry and exit at the work site for the health and safety of its people.

All customers on www.amazon.in and the Amazon mobile shopping app has easy and convenient access to over 200Million+ products across hundreds of categories. They benefit from a safe and secure ordering experience, convenient electronic payments, Cash on Delivery, Amazon’s 24×7 customer service support, and a globally recognized and comprehensive 100% purchase protection provided by Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee. They can also enjoy Amazon.in’s guaranteed next-day, two-day delivery and standard delivery on products fulfilled by Amazon.

Health

Glaucoma and cataract patients avoiding surgeries amid COVID fear

Sep 9, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #COVID, #Glaucoma and cataract, #Mahipal Singh Sachdev

New Delhi: Since the inception of the COVID 19 pandemic, it has become a major hindrance factor in the treatment module for other health ailments and eye care is no exception. Patients suffering from cataract and glaucoma have been refraining from any surgical intervention amid the infection risk and the numbers have dropped over 90%.

Lockdown has posed a major setback for patients seeking treatment for various eye-related ailments, devoid of which many have lost their vision permanently. While the guidelines have been issued by the Government of India to allow elective and emergency surgeries in ophthalmology, following the due safety measures, the turn out rates have come down significantly. At this pace, a greater number of people with pre-existing eye problems are bound to lose their vision, partially or completely.


While as per the earlier guidelines, ophthalmologists were undertaking only emergency surgical procedures, the new guidelines now suggest them to perform elective surgeries with due precautions. Keeping in view the significant possibility of an increase in the number of patients who suffer from cataract and blindness due to cataract and other eye diseases, these elective surgeries have been started with proper safety measures.


“Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery among surgeries performed on any part of the human body, even more, frequent than heart surgery. Patients in the need for the surgery have refrained from getting it done amidst the fear of COVID 19. With vision becoming increasingly blurred as the cataract progresses, it can take a toll on your life by hindering simple day to day activities. Timely treatment for cataract assists in improving and restoring the vision with a better quality of life.” Said Prof. (Dr) Mahipal Singh Sachdev, President AIOS & Chairman, Centre For Sight Group of Hospitals.

India contributes to one out of three cases of blindness to the world which is highly alarming and needs to be tackled at the earliest. Rising incidences of visual impairment and blindness are one of the major health concerns worldwide and in India. India contributes to 22% of the overall burden of blindness where 11% of them are visually impaired.

According to the National Health Portal India survey 2017, it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness with estimated cases around 18 lakh. Though the average age for the prevalence of glaucoma is over 50 years, with a sedentary lifestyle and westernization, the average age is getting shorter. Moreover, it has recently been observed that of the total cases diagnosed with the condition, over 70% of them are under the age of 35 years.

“Pertaining to the fact that Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and India stands second only after China in terms of its prevalence, awareness among the masses is the only way to prevent the major cause of visual impairment. While glaucoma remains asymptomatic until 70-80% of vision is lost, people need to be made aware of early diagnostics in the prevention of permanent blindness caused by Glaucoma. It should be noted that everybody should undergo an annual eye examination after the age of 40 years.” Said Dr Namrata Sharma, Hony, General Secretary, AIOS & Prof (Opth) RP Centre.

Health

If not disinfected properly, your glasses can be a source of transmitting virus into your eyes

Aug 25, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #COVID, #Disinfecting, #eyeglasses, #virus

The current coronavirus crisis has taught us many lessons, especially in terms of personal hygiene and the precautions that we now need to take before stepping out of our homes.

One very important safety measure that we will have to follow will be covering our mouth and nose by wearing a mask when we move out of the safety of our homes. Equally, important will be to protect our eyes by wearing eyeglasses. This could include prescription glasses (if you have refractive error), plain eyeglasses (without any power) or specially designed protective goggles and sunglasses to prevent aerosols (particles present in air) from entering into your eyes. Unlike eyewear, most of the face masks are disposable or reusable (can be washed easily), and hence they are a lesser source of infection. But as there is no option for disposable or daily wear glasses, we generally continue to wear them again and again. Thus, it is important to take necessary precautions to ensure that they don’t become carriers of infection and keep them disinfected. Any lapse can put us at risk of infection as the virus can enter our body through our eyes.

Research shows that viruses like Corona can stay as long as 9 days on eyeglasses. Hence, it becomes imperative to clean our eyeglasses as frequently as possible, just like we keep our hands clean.

Precautions to be taken:

· Always try to protect your eyes with eyeglasses before stepping out of your home

· Don’t touch eyeglasses frequently (other than to take them off)

· Ensure that eyeglasses are perfectly adjusted to your face before wearing to avoid unnecessary adjustments by hand

· When taking off your glasses, use both hands to remove them from your face. Hold the glasses by the temples instead of the rims around the lenses

How to keep your glasses disinfected and prevent them from transmitting virus into your eyes:

· Disinfect your glasses each time before wearing them

· If at home, you can use light dishwasher soap to clean eyeglasses under running water

· Wipe with microfiber cloth immediately after wash to avoid smudges and scratches

· When going out, carry hydrogen peroxide solution 0.5% (can be made with H202 available in pharmacies in 3% & 3.6% by adding water to make 0.5% concentration) to disinfect eyeglasses; use a microfiber clean cloth to clean the eyeglasses by spraying H202 on it

· You can also use the branded lens sprays and wipes available at optical stores to keep the lenses and frames disinfected

What should not be done to sanitize eyeglasses?

· Do not sanitize eyeglasses with alcohol-based regular sanitizers used for sanitizing hands; repeated use of this can damage the frame as well as the lenses

· Do not use ammonia, bleaches and high content of acids like lemon juice and vinegar to clean your glasses; this can spoil the lens coating and frame material

If you follow the above instructions, keeping your glasses disinfected will not be a worry.

Business World

Nurture Positivity and use your Mind Wisely to create a Healthy Environment During Covid-19 – Dr Sangeeta Reddy at Amity Eminent Webinar

Aug 22, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #COVID, #Dr Sangita Reddy, #Founder President of Amity Education Group Dr Ashok K Chauhan, #President FICCI and Joint Managing Director Apollo Group of Hospitals

The Coronavirus Pandemic that has created a devastating impact on the economies of the nations around the world and continues to cause enormous anxieties and mental stresses need to be confronted with a mind tuned to positivity and hope during these testing times of great uncertainty said Dr Sangita Reddy, President FICCI and Joint Managing Director Apollo Group of Hospitals while delivering Amity Eminent Webinar Address organized by Amity University Gurugram today. The webinar was attended by over 2000 students, Vice-Chancellors, Senior Semitists, Deans, HoIs and members of faculty from 10 Amity Universities in India and many more from abroad.

The Economic and social crisis caused by Covid-19 is undoubtedly the basis for the fear and enormous anxiety that covers everyone irrespective of economic prosperity or social order. It requires leadership that undertakes positivity and willingness to find solutions that can mitigate the ill-effects of the COVID
Pandemic. At the same time, it is absolutely necessary to create a positive health environment around.

Addressing to over 1000 inspired youth connected to the webinar, Dr Sangita Reddy said “Your Mind is the most powerful force to empower you. It can take you to the heights of ecstasy or can enslave you and plunge you into the depth of misery if not used wisely. The most important thing you the young students are doing today is learning how to use this power of your mind wisely by filling it with the right knowledge and choosing the right path and right skills and capabilities”. Let you overcome your fear and work together to create a better world than the one left behind before the COVID Pandemic, said Dr Reddy.

Today humanity is grappling like never seen before. The generational medical crisis which has now become an economic crisis and also a social crisis. There are geopolitical shifts and global friction. There is a manifestation of a burdening crisis all over the world. But then as it is said that the brightness of stars is in the darkness of night. As such it is also the time of great hope and to have great resilience to combat the impending threats of expansionist COVID, said Dr Reddy a crusader of affordable health care for all.

Sharing her experience of implementing a number of innovative initiatives in Apollo Group of Hospitals, Dr Reddy said that the continuous quest to push the benchmarks of excellence and caring service to humanity have made Apollo a class apart in the Hospitals in Asia. The integration of the latest advances in IT in health care services and the synergy between the advances in biomedical engineering and health care services have made India’s health care truly world-class.

Lauding the efforts of Government of India in combating the COVID crisis, Dr Reddy said that the timely interventions of the Government have resulted into containing death rate below 3 per cent and the recovery rate of over 72 per cent. But we need still to win the battle as over 69000 cases are being added daily.

Invoking a sense of courage and commitment to fight the ongoing pandemic, Dr Sangita Reddy cited the courage and conviction with which the nursing professionals work in the isolation wards, giving their very best services often sacrificing their comfort and even risking their lives. The youth of our country should emulate this exemplary courage and prepare themselves to serve the vast humanity with a caring concern for the last man in the society so that no one is left behind. Recalling the famous quote of Mahatma Gandhi that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. This is the time to show our utmost care and concern for the suffering of humanity and also to care for yourself at the same time.

Replying to a question from the audience as to how to remain positive mind and maintain a healthy environment when we are so pressed with online classes and other pressing engagements, Dr Reddy said that despite being busy you have to find time for yourself to refresh your mind and to connect to your soul. Answering another question on the power of prayers in the hours of crisis, Dr Reddy said that the prayers have great healing power and they do wonders as they give solace to your mind as well. There were many other questions including the long-term effects of Covid-19 and overcoming the fear psychosis due to uncertainties. In her message to the youth, Dr Sangita Reddy said that It is the defining moment for each one of us to decide how we want to live and lead our life. Have courage and faith in human capabilities to overcome the crisis and work with a positive mindset.

Founder President of Amity Education Group Dr Ashok K Chauhan, Chairperson Dr Amita Chauhan, Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh Dr Atul Chauhan, Chancellor Amity University Haryana Dr Aseem Chauhan, Dr Anupam Sibal Group Medical Director Apollo Hospital and President Global Association of Physicians of Indian origin and DR MS Chaudhary Senior Consultant Internal Medicine at Apollo Hospital New Delhi were also present in the Webinar that was moderated by Prof PB Sharma Vice-Chancellor, Amity University Haryana. Dr Sanjana Vij coordinated the webinar for which excellent IT support was provided by Dr JS Sodhi and his team.

News

Best practices for safe online learning for children: Dr Ramesh Kekunnaya Head, Child Sight Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad.

Aug 10, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #anxiety, #behavioural and mental issues., #COVID, #dry eye, #headache, #stress

In these COVID times, with lockdown in most places, schools are forced to shift from classroom to online teaching. Classes are conducted through virtual platforms. Homework has become digital. Children are required to spend long hours indoors, focussing on their mobile phone, iPad or laptop. This raises many concerns regarding their long-term health.

Increasing use of electronic gadgets, prolonged near work and lack of daylight exposure can result in progression of myopia or near-sightedness in children. Electronic devices are known to emit short-wavelength blue light, suppressing the hormone melatonin which maintains the circadian rhythm in the body. Prolonged exposure to blue light, especially before their bedtime can cause sleep disturbances in children. Too much screen time can also result in dry eye, headache, stress, anxiety, behavioural and mental issues.

It is important to strike a balance between academic learning via digital technology and good physical, mental and personality development in children. Hence, the restricted use of electronic devices for studying has been advocated by doctors. Certain practices should be followed routinely by teachers and parents to ensure a better lifestyle for children.

The amount of time the child spends using digital devices should be proportionate to the child’s age. While 12 to 16-year-olds can be allowed 8 hours of online study, the hours of screen time for younger children should be restricted to less than 4 hours. Toddlers (younger than 3 years) must be refrained from using any digital device.

Teachers must give appropriate breaks during classes; a short break every 45 minutes and a long break of 1-2 hours during long sessions. Online classes should be scheduled in the morning and afternoon hours only, ensuring that children do not use these devices in the evening and night time.

It is important that the child sits on a straight-backed chair with armrests, with the screen placed about 2 feet away at eye level. This ensures good posture and avoids back and neck problems in future. Larger screen devices like desktop, laptop or TV are preferable. Room lighting should be good and the screen brightness should be optimum. Screen protectors can be used to reduce excessive reflection.

There should be good ventilation in the room. Sitting for long hours directly in front of the fan or air conditioning can cause the eyes to dry up quickly. This adds to the strain. They should be encouraged to consciously blink frequently. An easy method to follow is the 20-20-20 rule, where every 20 minutes, the child should take a 20-second break and look at any object 20 feet away. This will relax the ciliary muscles of the eyes and ease the strain due to prolonged near work. At times, preservative-free lubricating eye drops can be used to ease mild symptoms of dry eye. Also, children who usually wear glasses must continue to wear them during classes.

Also, various ways to reduce screen time can be devised by teachers. Each day, there should be at least one session of physical exercise, yoga, dance class or virtual workout, intercepting the online teaching schedule. This will be fun as well as healthy for children. For homework, they should be encouraged to use their textbooks and notebooks and avoid all digital devices.

Parents must themselves set a good example by staying away from mobile phones and TV as much as possible. They can also develop ‘quality family time’, encouraging children to interact, play games and connect with family members during leisure time. It should be emphasised that the use of electronic gadgets is only during classes and for learning. Children must be taught to accept and acclimatize to these new practices and to follow them effectively.

Children’s health and well-being must be the collective responsibility of families, teachers and doctors. Adapting to changing times, using technology to our advantage, but following safety measures can give a better and healthier life to our children.

Business World

Transformation of site visits as developers uphold safety: Interview with Dr. Rahul Chaudhary, Promoter, Sunworld Group

Aug 10, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #COVID, #Dr. Rahul Chaudhary, #Promoter, #Sunworld Group, #virtual tours and drone- view

1. How are site visits going to be different in the post COVID era from in the pre-COVID period?

The site visits have always been an essential part of the property purchase process. It was during these site visits that developers and buyers connected on a personal level, and get a better understanding of each other. Buyers were normally doing 3-4 site visits in a day if the properties were located close to each other. Developers were also able to arrange multiple site visits in a day, especially on holidays and Sundays. The pattern will undergo a lot of change after COVID as every aspect of business turns digital. Scheduled sites only for genuine homebuyers will be encouraged if government authorities grant permission for the same. Otherwise reputed developers have already set in place virtual tours and drone- view of their projects for giving complete discretion of location to the buyers. The entire construction site will be monitored in terms of workers density, cleanliness and hygiene, in case buyers happen to visit personally.

2. How feasible are site visits considering the safety concerns for employees as well as customers?

Right now it is best if buyers choose to opt for digital site tours, as the COVID cases are rising at an alarming rate. As a developer, we would never want to put our potential and existing customer’s safety in danger. With the market being uncertain, our employees are occupied revising their yearly plans via WFH, and if the buyers insist on visiting sites personally, it will need a lot of preparation from our end. The workers allotted on these sites have to be trained accordingly for maintaining distancing, an employee will have to accompany the potential buyers for ensuring everything is in place.

3. Do you think home buyers are ready for this changed way of site visits? What advice would you give to prospective home buyers about visiting property sites?

The increased number of digital queries during this lockdown has shown us a clear indication that homebuyers are more than ready to accept this pattern. Our advice to them would be to seek addresses for their doubts and demands that are related to our properties to keep the communication going. We can mention only limited information on these sites, and a buyer when investing for properties has many questions. We do not want that this distancing reduces our connect with the potential buyers, our ORM team is equipped and trained to solve their queries and provide the quick address of their concerns.

4. What measures have you taken on your sites to ensure safety?

We have trained our workers appropriately, a site manager ensures safety guidelines are being followed throughout. Use of Sanitizers is encouraged at intervals, disinfection of sites is carried out regularly. Temperature screening on entrances, limited workers on site, and a medical officer is kept at the beck and call for any emergency.

5. Do you think these restrictions or changed ways of site visits will hamper or dampen buyer interest?

The interest will not be hampered but it might prolong the process of booking the unit, as property-buying followed very much a traditional route in our country before COVID. Virtual tours have given them an outlook of the property on their screens, but a good number of buyers still believe personal visit as the final step before entering into a legal agreement. NRI’s however have always taken the digital route for property investment, so no change has been observed from their ends.