COVID 19 is a widespread respiratory disease caused by the SARS virus. This virus emerged in China in 2019. And still in 2022 many countries are facing its devastating effects. This virus transmits rapidly from person to person. So it requires strong preventive measures or standard operating procedures to stop its rapid transmission.

COVID 19 has impacted the economy all over the world. Pakistan had also faced many economic crises due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Pakistan cannot tolerate the consequences of prolonged lockdown so it changed its policy to smart lockdown. The situation of COVID 19 in Pakistan was controlled more wisely than in many other countries like Italy or India.

Several SOPs are developed in different working sectors to ensure the health and wellbeing of workers. Let’s have a look at these standard operating procedures one by one.

COVID 19 SOP Template

What to do if Someone at Home has COVID

Things to consider while writing SOP templates

• The main cause of the rapid spread of COVID 19 is social distancing. So to avoid its rapid transmission social distancing must be implemented. And all the work sectors must include social distancing in their SOP documents.

• Employees or workers should sit at a distance of at least 5-6 feet. But if space is less then divide the workspace by creating barriers among the people to avoid physical contact. Employees should also avoid shaking hands and hugging. Physical contact must be very less even with the customers.

• Use online payment methods if possible. There is no such case reported yet that currency notes are causing rapid transmission of the virus. But physical contact during currency notes exchange can make the situation worse.

• Make the face masks compulsory. You must mention in clear words that no one would be allowed to enter the workspace without having a face mask. Face masks should also be regularly changed.

• Then provide general regarding safety and protection of staff. All the workers must be tested for COVID-19. If any worker tests positive for the virus then he must be quarantined until he gets fully recovered. Employees’ uniforms should be neat and clean and should be washed with disinfectants daily. Make them clear not to share their belongings and even food or water. Everyone must bring his water bottle and food. Ask them not to shake hands with each other. And don’t touch their nose and eyes.

• Every employee should wash his hands with disinfectant after every 30 minutes. Plastic gloves are good to wear but they even can get contaminated. So it is better to wash hands properly with good sanitizer. Teach them how to wash their hands thoroughly. Also mentioned in SOP is that everyone should have trimmed nails. Because nails are the major source of germs transmission.

• In the sop document, there must be a section to teach employees “how to deal with customers with social distancing”. All these things must be mentioned clearly so that there would be no ambiguity about anything. 

• If you can manage it is good to include a 2-3 days employee training plan. This training provides them with education and awareness about COVID 19, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented. Also, explain to them how they can save themselves from COVID-19.

• Develop good policies and plans for those employees tested positive for viruses.
• Now the vaccine of COVID 19 is available worldwide. Ask employees to vaccinate themselves and their families. Vaccination will prepare antibodies in your body. These antibodies will protect you from COVID-19. So you must make policies regarding vaccination.

SOP templates for research labs

• While writing standard operating procedures for laboratories you must include all the general information about the laboratory. For example, you must include the Laboratory manager’s name, his contact number, laboratory general contact number, laboratory rooms, etc.

• In the second section, you must include the roles and responsibilities of all the workers in the laboratory. You must elaborate on the responsibilities of the lab manager and lab attendant.

• In the third section, you can include all the guidelines related to SOPs. For example, you can write that no one is allowed to enter the laboratory without wearing a mask, etc. All these things must be included in a simple and precise manner. So that it would be easily understandable by the common workers.

• At the end of the document, you must have your signatures.

SOP template for field research

• While creating an SOP for any field work mentions general information like the location of the field site, emergency contact number, field officer, and date of fieldwork.

• Also include the list of personnel and purpose of fieldwork.

• Then mention all those SOPs that needed to follow during fieldwork.

Conclusion

Making standard operating procedures to protect ourselves and stabilize our economy is the need of the day. If you are an employer and don’t know how to prepare a COVID 19 SOP template then don’t worry. Read this article. It will help you a lot. All the SOP templates are provided here free of cost. You can just download it and use it according to your requirements.

Frequently Asked questions

What are some preventive measures for COVID-19?

Several measures and procedures can help us to prevent COVID 19. Some common preventive measures that must be included in every workspace include

• Promote social distancing among people. Avoid hugging and shaking hands.

• Use face masks and hand sanitizers.

• Don’t touch your face again and again. If you feel a cough or fever then go to seek medical assistance.

• Don’t go to crowded places. Don’t touch anything in public.

• Stay home and get the vaccination.