COVID-19: No rings, bangles or nail polish- New guidelines for mid-day meal workers

Oct. 7: Amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Union Government has decided to reopen schools from mid-October as part of Unlock 5.0. The Union Education Ministry has issued guidelines for the safe preparation and delivery of mid-day meals to schoolchildren. Union Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said states and union territories can form their own protocols based on their guidelines.

The education ministry protocol stated, “Nail polish or artificial nails should not be worn because they can become foreign bodies and may compromise on food safety. No watches, rings, jewellery, and bangles should be worn during cooking, serving, and distribution as there is a danger of contamination of the product.”  There should be staggered timings for serving the meals to avoid crowding and said the food should be prepared in a hygienic manner.

Precautions to be taken for preparing and serving #Midday Meal in schools. The alternative academic calendar of @ncert may be followed.#SchoolGuidelines

— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) October 5, 2020

Further, the guidelines say that vegetables should be washed thoroughly with a combination of salt and turmeric or 50 ppm chlorine (or equivalent solution) and clean potable water. Cooks and helpers involved will have to give self-declarations about the well-being of themselves and their families before starting their work in schools. They should positively wear face masks.