India reopens for exhibitions following issue of new government SOP

India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a Standard Operating Procedures document for regulating the running of tradefairs in the country from 15 October. Exhibitions may only take place outside certain containment zones.

The SOP also contain a list of preventive measures to be taken by all those involved in B2B trade exhibitions, in order to contain spread of Covid-19.

The SOP document outlines various generic and precautionary measures to be adopted by venues; organisers; service providers; exhibitors and by visitors/delegates.

The competent authorities may implement additional measures within their jurisdiction as per their local assessment and in line with activities permitted by Ministry of Home Affairs.

Additional SOPs for holding conferences during exhibitions include identifying closed door conference areas for any sessions planned during the exhibition with seating and avoiding any standing attendees.

Social distancing for attendees and sanitisation of conference areas after regular intervals is also mandated.

The meeting table must be separated by a distance of at least six feet and no more than two people are allowed to sit at the table at a time for the B2B meeting. Face shield along with mask and hand gloves must be made mandatory for all participants.

The full SOP document issued by the government is available here.