What Are Pre-Existing Diseases In Health Insurance?

Digital India, powered by the many start-ups all over the country is changing the healthcare sector as we know it. They have made digital healthcare more affordable and accessible. Backed by a digitally integrated app ecosystem, multiple ventures are specializing in providing speciality services. This not only fills the gaps but also provides new services that have never been in the market.  

Why Do We Need The Disruption? 

The current healthcare system is far from perfect. Existing solutions are unable to provide the qualitative and quantitative healthcare that the nation needs. There is also increasing demand, further adding complications to deliverability. Some of these critical challenges are- 

• Changing needs of customers  
• The rising cost of health and medical equipment 
• Less effective distribution channels for healthcare services 
• The rapid increase in demand for quality healthcare 

To plug these gaps, India’s tech-driven start-ups have come up with new and unique solutions. In an increasingly digital world, it is of paramount importance that healthcare providers leverage these technologically-driven solutions to provide quality digital healthcare across the nation. 

Achieving Accessibility In Digital Healthcare 

Digital first start-ups have proven their ability to change the entire healthcare industry, from top to bottom. Along every step of the way, new technologically-driven solutions have made the industry lean, more accessible and responsive.  

Some areas where digital disruptions have taken place are: 

• Pharmaceutical supply chain: Using big data and analytics, start-ups have been able to better streamline the supply chain, providing pharmaceuticals with real-time data that can help manufacturers react proactively to market forces. Companies like Pharmeasy, Mpharma, and Kool-ex are currently working on building a more robust supply chain and distribution centre.  
• Virtual care delivery: As physical interactions have become a point of concern; several start-ups like Mfine have turned to virtual care delivery. Online interactions with healthcare professionals are safe, faster, and more flexible, for both the patient and the doctor. Such digital healthcare services also eradicate the difference in quality and price between urban and rural India. 

Digital Healthcare Value Added Services 

Start-ups have also left their mark in other areas of the industry, especially when it comes to value-added services. Some disruptions in these areas include: 

• Screening and diagnostics: Using big data and artificial intelligence (AI), start-ups like Qure.ai are able to provide more predictive health analysis. Such tools are also changing the way medical imaging and digital pathology function, providing more long-term predictions that can help doctors better understand a patient’s condition and recovery. 
• Disease management and therapeutics:  Using AI, start-ups are also able to provide tools that allow patients to manage and track their health conditions. In the case of chronic disease management, tools from companies like DigiPrex are a revolutionary approach to digital healthcare and treatment. 
• Clinical Intelligence Wellness tools: Companies like Healthplix and Healthifyme are providing doctors with more in-depth information around not just physical health, but also mental and social health. This helps them make more informed clinical decisions, allowing them to deliver more personal and impactful healthcare. 
•  Digitization of health insurance services: The complex world of health insurance has been made simple, effective, and accessible by companies like Onsurity. Now, customers can not only easily get a complete health benefits package with insurance benefits but have full transparency of the inclusions and exclusions. They are also able to more easily manage their health plan through a single application. 

Creating A Single Platform 

As we have seen, digital disruptions have revolutionized healthcare in India. Now, no matter who you are and where you live, you have access to the latest tools and technologies at an affordable cost. There is, however, a flip side to this digital healthcare system. Now, you need multiple applications and accounts to manage the various aspects of care – from insurance to ordering medication to get lab tests. That’s where Onsurity comes in. We offer a single application where you can do all this, and much more! 

Onsurity has partnered with ICICI Lombard, so your healthcare plan has insurance as well. We have also partnered with 1mg and Medlife so you can order medicines and lab tests straight to your home. Our app also rewards you for the steps you take. If you hit the 10,000 step goal daily, you can get discounts from our partners.  

It’s an exciting time for healthcare, which is why we here at Onsurity believe we can make a difference. We want to do our bit, by helping small and medium business organizations ensure they have the best healthcare coverage for their employees. After all, affordable healthcare should not be an afterthought.  

 

5 Smart Steps To Win Your Employees Heart When Remote Working

Many organizations have undergone an almost overnight transformation to enable employees to work from home. The new remote working culture has its challenges, and perhaps the biggest one is maintaining employee motivation alongside a thriving business. 

With the current workforce a hybrid mix of millennials and tenured employees, there’s no magic wand for motivation. In a fast-paced, quality-driven world, it is important for business owners to find the right steps for better productivity. 

With that in mind, here are a few simple strategies to help boost employee motivation and get the most out of your business in the remote working era. 

Promote Intrapreneurship  

Every workplace has a selective group of people who can influence their teams by delivering action-oriented approaches and smart solutions. They usually set themselves apart by having a unique approach and specific skill-sets such as critical thinking, business ideation, early adoption of technology etc. They can help fundamentally transform your business if given the right platform.

The intrapreneurial approach is largely found in start-ups where individuals are given the chance to work independently while embracing team culture. In smaller teams, driven towards quicker growth, it’s important to identify such members and empower them to handle challenges. This allows them to innovate new solutions, thus motivating them to perform at their best. 

Intrapreneurship is an attitude not a department

Remote Working Means Remote Engagement 

Back in the “good old days”, team leaders or supervisors usually engaged their teams through outings, parties or other events. In a post-pandemic world though, these solutions might not be the safest way to engage teams. As work from home becomes the norm, it is critical to engage in virtual events, as a safe alternative.  

Replace water-cooler chats and tea breaks with digital informal catch-ups. It’s also a good idea to create communication channels for non-work-related topics, like sports, films or just parenting tips.  You can also take an hour out weekly to engage in activities like yoga or meditation as a team.  

These sessions will allow employees to take regular breaks, thus keeping their minds fresh. They also make for great problem-solving sessions, if someone is stuck and needs help. That’s an easy way to benefit the business! Such sessions will help strengthen the professional relationship, which is fundamental for a strong team. 

Encourage Virtual Rewards  

Recognition is a fundamental aspect of motivation. To boost morale, a culture of recognition is often critical. You might have already been doing it – through an employee of the month awards and other rewards. 

It’s time to take those rewards online. By acknowledging your employee’s achievements, you are motivating them and others in the team to aim higher and perform better. If you don’t know where to start, here are some appreciation badges found on Microsoft Teams. 

Provide virtual certificates (great for LinkedIn), or even e-coupons for high performing employees. If you have the cash to spare, small bonuses also work wonders. Another method is by providing employees with an opportunity to showcase their talents, either within the company or outside.  

Team badges by Microsoft Badges

Remote Working Is Flexible Working 

Remote working isn’t a breeze though. According to the buffers statistics, remote report 2020, employees face several challenges that prevent them from creating a proper work routine. Encourage your employees by adopting flexible work arrangements, around their timings to help get the most out of the workday.  

Struggles faced by employees when remote working. Source: Buffer Remote Report 2020

Letting employees set their conditions and boundaries within the team enables them to be proactive, and thus more productive. Remember, there’s no one size fits all solution here, everyone is different.   

Embrace Online Learning  

The digital shift has inspired employers and employees alike to upskill through online portals. Encourage employees to invest time in learning new skills, which can further enhance their performance. 

The best way to achieve this, as a leader, is to provide a common digital platform like a company-wide Coursera subscription. Not only does it fill knowledge gaps, but it also helps ensure you are a step ahead of the competition! You can also go further by creating material based on your own products and services. It will later help with onboarding new employees who are working remotely.  

To really boost confidence, why not schedule training sessions? It will help employees feel confident in their abilities, which will help them perform better.  

Here at Onsurity, we ensure such interactive engagements are implemented to applaud each other’s commitment to work. We find that these steps work for us, which is why we are recommending them to you. Group Health Insurance

 

Is Your Current Lifestyle Taking You Closer To Diabetes?

What if we told you that most of the claims raised in health insurance policies are associated with treatments for diabetes? Yes, you read that right. According to the International diabetes organization, India has 77 million diabetic patients between the age of 20 and 79. That number is estimated to increase to 101 million by 2030. 

That’s an alarming number, especially for a country with one of the highest youth populations in the world. The exploding rate of diabetes can be traced back to dietary changes, longer working hours, increased stress, and a decrease in physical activity. All that is having a direct impact on health insurance claims as well. 

What Are Diabetes And What Are Its Impacts? 

In simple terms, diabetes is a condition where the body’s ability to produce insulin is impaired. Insulin is the hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels. So, patients with diabetes often have elevated sugar levels. 

Like most diseases and ailments, diabetes leads to several complications in the body. Diabetic patients are more prone to infection but are also at a greater risk of stroke, loss of consciousness, cataract, kidney dysfunction, heart conditions and even neurological damage.  

At a young age, such symptoms lead to an increase in fatigue. Research has also found a worrying increase in Type-2 diabetes amongst millennials, which is normally seen in the elderly. This also has long term impacts. Once a person becomes diabetic, it is often a lifelong battle to regulate sugar levels, requiring regular check-ups and monitoring.  

There is also evidence to suggest diabetic patients are more prone to dying from COVID-19. It is thus fundamental that we learn to combat this disease early on. Since diabetes is genetic, combating it requires proactive efforts. 

Impact On Health Insurance Policy  

A diabetic patient incurs various additional costs associated with treatments such as regular tests, medicines, insulin shots, and a customized diet. Treatments costs are jumping up due to excessive demand, and the increase in diabetic patients has led to a rise in claims.   

This is why it is important for millennials to opt for a group health insurance policy. Such a policy allows them to request multiple claims, especially when diabetes-related complications arise. It is also wise to opt for plans with a higher sum insured, thus covering any such treatments. 

Prevention Is Better Than Cure  

While it is good to have the right insurance, it is even better to avoid visiting the doctor. Today, there is a rising demand for preventive measures. This helps people avoid such diseases early on. Such measures focus on wellness and awareness, keeping in mind their existing lifestyle.  

We at Onsurity are focused on preventing such lifestyle diseases. We are able to help by partnering with health insurances companies to provide a health policy that works for you. Our application also links to your phone’s health app (Google Health/Apple Health), to track your footsteps. The more you move, the fitter you get. As an added bonus, we also reward you with points that can be used to buy medicines at discounted rates.  

Here are a few more preventative measures you can take to avoid being burdened with diabetes- 

• Look out for the hidden sugars in the label while purchasing groceries. 
• Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages as they contain caloric sweeteners.  
• Don’t go hungry!  
• Consume at least three servings of veggies and organic fresh fruits daily. 

• Choose healthy snacks such as walnuts, almonds, and unsweetened yoghurt.  
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake. 
• If you love your meat, choose white meat and seafood over processed meat. 
• Exercise regularly 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes.   

Here at Onsurity, we believe prevention is better than cure. With Onsurity Membership, we provide Group Health Insurance, teleconsultation, discount on medicines and Good Doctor Team Support Why spend money, time, and effort fighting something when you can prevent it altogether? 

India’s New Labor Laws, And What They Mean For Your Company

 

India’s New Labour Laws, And What They Mean For Your Company

The Central Government on 23rd September passed three labour code bills. These bills merged 24 existing central labour laws. If you have been following the news you might have seen the story break headlines. It might also have you asking – “how does this affect me?” If that’s the question on your mind, this is the right place.  

We have read the entire release and are here to help you make sense of the new labour laws. Whether you are planning to start-up, already own a business or just working for a start-up, here are the things you need to know.  

Social Security Labour Laws

When you are doing your yearly taxes, you would have noticed some money going to the Employee’s Provident Fund (EPFO) and Employee’s State Insurance (ESIC). You also have benefits tied to gratuity and maternity. The new Code on Social Security 2020 merges all of this, while also extending the benefits to others not previously covered.  

Benefit	Old Law	New Law
EPFO	Limited to permanent employees	Freelancers, self-employed and gig workers now covered
ESIC	Limited to permanent employees	Freelancers, self-employed and gig workers now covered
Gratuity	Limited to those who served 5 years minimum	Limited-term contract employees also covered
Life/disability insurance	Limited to permanent employees	Freelancers, self-employed and gig workers now covered
Health/maternity benefits	Limited to permanent employees	Freelancers, self-employed and gig workers now covered

The updates under the new labour laws will become mandatory for any company with over 20 employees. If you hire someone on a two-year contract, you are liable to pay them a gratuity at the end of that contract, if it is not renewed. 

Health, Safety And Working Conditions 

The government has also made changes to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) code. The code will apply to any establishment with 10 workers or more. The changes introduced include: 

• A mandatory issuing of an appointment letter 
• Companies to provide free annual health check-ups to all employees above a certain age (not yet specified). 
• Women will now be eligible to work in all types of jobs. They are now also eligible to work at night subject to consent.  
• In case of an accident or death of a worker, the court can now order a company to pay up to 50% of the total penalty. 

The central government has also announced that it will soon roll out regulations regarding working hours. Labour laws on working hours for different types of companies will be set by the state, as well as the centre. In case an employee works overtime, he/she is eligible for pay at twice the rate of daily wages. Employees will also have to give prior consent for overtime work.  

The labour law also stipulates that no employee can work for more than six days a week. Employees are also eligible to receive one day of holiday for every 20 days worked in a year.  

Labour Laws On Industrial Relations 

This contentious code is targeted more at industries and factories, but there are still changes you need to be aware of. If you are an organisation with less than 300 employees, you can now fire workers (for economic reasons) without having to provide notice. Previous labour laws required a 30-90 day notice period for all organisations above 100 people. That is now applicable only for those with 301 employees or more. 

Workers will also have to now provide at least 60 days’ notice prior to striking. This is up from the previous notice period of two-six weeks. If proceedings are pending before a labour tribunal or the National Industrial Tribunal, workers cannot go on a strike for 60 days after they are concluded.  

We hope that helps clear up any confusion you may be having. The changes in labour laws have been brought to help businesses unlock their full potential. They are also aimed at bringing more employees under the social security code and improving welfare. That’s what we at Onsurity also want to do – provide you and your team with the healthcare you deserve.  

We are a single platform for everything health-related. Thanks to our partner ICICI Lombard, you can now get health insurance for yourself and your loved ones through your Onsurity membership. We also have teleconsultations and medicine ordering thanks to our partners 1md and Medlife.  

If that sounds impressive, check out our website today. No matter what your needs, we are sure to have a membership for you.  

 

Out-Patient Department And Its Related Expenses Explained

Ever visited a hospital for a couple of stitches or an injection? If you have, you would have gone to the Out Patient Department (OPD). Haven’t you wondered sometimes what exactly is OPD? You may even have asked yourself – “does my insurance cover these expenses?” If you have, you’ve come to the right place.  

Through this blog, we hope to cover all those questions and more. We will also tell you why OPD expenses are not covered in most health insurance plans.  

What Is An Out-Patient Department? 

Simply put, the outpatient department in the hospital service takes care of patients without admitting them. If you go to the hospital for a few hours and don’t have to take a room, you are considered an out-patient. The OPD is the first point of contact for many patients. On consulting a doctor, you may then be asked to get admitted. If this period of admission exceeds 24 hours, you become an in-patient.  

The outpatient department provides three core services: diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up care. That means most of your hospital visits – from doctor consultations to blood tests are all part of the OPD. You can also visit the OPD for vaccinations, radiology tests, and treatments like bone setting and stitches.  

How Does The Out-Patient Department Work? 

Almost all hospitals in India have a common flow for how the OPD department works. Here’s a handy flowchart to help you understand it.  

Do Health Insurance Plans Cover OPD Expenses? 

Most health insurance plans do not include outpatient department visits. They, however, can be added as an additional benefit if you are willing to pay more. There is a simple reason for this- when you visit occasionally, the expenses you incur at the OPD are not as huge as getting admitted to the hospital. You don’t pay room rent and, in most cases, you don’t pay for a lot of tests. You only pay a consultation fee. 

However, if you visit the OPD multiple times in a year, then the costs tend to add up. That’s why insurance companies offer OPD as an add-on, with a higher sum insured. This also means a significant increase in your premium amount.  

The reason for this high cost is that unlike hospitalization, there are more issues with verifying claims related to OPD expenses. Also, since OPD visits are more frequent, it is easier to hit your claim limit. Another reason is the inflated cost of medical care, which has only kept on increasing. So, the more you visit the hospital, the more expensive your bill is. To cover that cost, the insurance company has no choice but to charge you extra.  

However, many insurance companies are now looking at adding OPD to their offerings. It will help make healthcare more affordable, especially if you visit the out-patient department regularly. However, affordability is still a long way away.  

For now, we recommend you to chose a health plan without OPD coverage because it is more affordable. Generally, insurance companies charge higher for OPD coverages. It will ensure you have a stable affordable premium that covers most medical emergencies. Isn’t that better than a constantly-changing premium that adapts to rising healthcare costs? 

Does Group Health Insurance Under The Onsurity Plan Cover OPD Expenses? 

Like standard health insurance plans in the market, the insurance plan under the Onsurity HealthSure Membership does not cover outpatient department expenses. Our Good Doctor Team is always available to provide personalized assistance during hospitalization. So, in case you find yourself in a hospital and want to quicken the process of admissions, payment, etc. just drop in an email to gooddoctors@onsurity.com

You can use the Onsurity app to browse our online medical store and health check-ups provided by our partners, 1mg and Medlife. Your healthcare plan with Onsurity gives you access to discounts on medication, tests, and check-ups (subject to features of the plan). You can also use the app to book a teleconsultation with a doctor near you.  

 

“Teamsure By Onsurity” – An Employee Benefits Platform For SMEs And Startups

As per the Ministry of Home Affairs circular dated 15th April 2020, it is now mandatory for all companies to offer health insurance for their employees. To be compliant with the mandate, most companies have turned to employee wellness programs like a TeamSure by Onsurity membership. Such plans offer subscription-based models that are extremely affordable and include all-round healthcare without eating into a company’s working capital.  

These health and wellness plans are thus a great option for SMEs. Not only do employers save money, but their employees also get a range of features and benefits. With SME’s contributing 45% to India’s GDP, it is thus vital that SME employees get proper attention towards their healthcare.

If such SMEs opt for group insurance plans, they come with yearly premiums that are extremely expensive to a business. It becomes difficult to manage operationally when adding/removing employees and checking advanced premium balance with insurance companies and their related adjustments. Also, most group health insurance plans for startups are limited to hospitalization expenses and do not offer a solution for the ever-increasing cost of healthcare aspects like medicines and consultations, making it difficult to attract potential employees. 

That’s not how employer healthcare benefits for small businesses should be. To plug those gaps, Onsurity has designed a plan that offers great employee healthcare benefits for startups. No matter how big or small your team, we provide healthcare to all (with a minimum requirement of 3 employees). Our plan –TeamSure by Onsurity is adaptable to your company’s needs. Here’s a look at what makes TeamSure a great option for your company.  

TeamSure Benefits For Employers 

Digital Dashboard Management: TeamSure by Onsurity is digital-first. That means employers have access to fully digitized onboarding and invoicing. Our simple and user-friendly dashboard allows you to assign roles and responsibilities, check an employee’s membership details, and analyze your monthly bills.  

Everyone is Included: We don’t just include full-time employees. TeamSure by Onsurity also extends healthcare to part-time, freelancers, contractors, and consultants. Employees also get the option to add their families including their spouse, children, siblings parents, and in-laws, so everyone is truly included. 

Flexibility: With a monthly subscription like Netflix, Onsurity TeamSure is flexible and adaptable to your needs. You can add and deduct employees with ease or upgrade them to higher plans. The subscription model also means it doesn’t eat into your working capital. So, you save money for other critical parts of your business. That’s how employee health plans for small businesses should be. 

Better Productivity: Thanks to our partner insurer, our employee healthcare plans come with complimentary group health insurance for startups. We also offer a wider range of healthcare benefits for better employee productivity. As an additional feature, to keep employees fitter, our exclusive Onsurity app also has a fitness tracker and a gamified rewards system. Now that’s putting the care in healthcare.  

Onsurity TeamSure Employee Benefits 

Low Cost: With low monthly subscriptions, the employee has access to the best healthcare services for themselves and their families. Employees have to pay a lot lesser for their medicine orders, health check-ups, doctor teleconsultations when booking on the app. Our plans offer both preventive and reactive care solutions to members ensuring a long-term, healthy relationship with our platform.

One App For Everything: Thanks to the user-friendly Onsurity app, employees can easily manage their plan in a single place. From viewing their e-health card to getting assistance with hospitalization and upgrading their plan or adding family members, it can all be done from a single place. The app includes all features of m-health and telehealth with additional discounts and offers.

Add Family: We don’t just include employees, our plans extend healthcare benefits to the family as well. Based on the plan opted for by the member, they can choose to add their family to the same plan, or an upgraded version of the plan with more benefits. Onsurity’s membership plan allows members to include spouses, children (up to 25 years), parents, in-laws and siblings as well. 

Good Doctor Team: Our experienced Good Doctor Team is available on call for any hospitalization related assistance and counselling. We know the long waiting hours and never-ending paperwork can be overwhelming. With the help of our team – members can rest assured their hospital processes will be looked into with support at every step of the way.

Onsurity’s TeamSure membership comes with a number of plan variants, each with its own unique benefits. The higher your plan, the more benefits you can access. From unlimited fitness rewards to medicine order discounts, there’s a lot for our members to take advantage of. 

That is because we at Onsurity have a vision. We want to provide affordable holistic healthcare benefits for employees of start-ups and SMEs. We believe digital healthcare management is the future, and want to help everyone transition there faster.  

 

This Day Of The Elderly, Give Your Parents And Grandparents The Care They Deserve

From telling us stories to cooking delicious food and spoiling us with treats, senior citizens are a crucial part of our lives. This is why October 1st is celebrated as the International Day for the Elderly. There’s no way to thank these wonderful elders for all that they have done, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try! 

Thanks to the pandemic, we have a great opportunity to do something special for them. Whether you are at home or living away, we’ve got some great ideas for you. Our tips cover everyone from your parents, grandparents, extended family and even neighbours. So go ahead, do something special for a senior citizen in your life today. 

Be A Part Of Their Day 

It’s true we are all extremely busy, but it is important to take time out for your loved ones. If you are at home, why not arrange a games session every evening? A game of carrom, cards or chess is always good fun, and it’s something your senior citizens will probably already know how to play. You can also turn back the clock and have a storytelling session with them. Wherever possible, try to eat with them as well.  

If you aren’t at home, you can still connect with them digitally. Make sure they have everything they need. If they don’t, try ordering groceries and other essentials for them. You can also teach them how to use YouTube, Netflix and to read e-books. Give them the gift of entertainment if you can’t be with them. 

Senior Citizens Mental Health Matters

Just like us, the elderly in society can also suffer from mental health issues. Thanks to the pandemic, they are unable to go outdoors. They are also cut off from their friends and family. The link between isolation and mental health is well documented. It is therefore important that you help all senior citizens feel connected. 

If you don’t live with them, give them a call every day and tell them about your day. It is also important you listen to what they have to say. Sometimes all people need is an ear. It is also important to keep them engaged so that they do not feel bored. Make sure they have some hobbies and activities to do daily.  

Physical Health Matters Too 

You must have heard the saying – health is wealth. It is very important that you look after the health of senior citizens, especially when they cannot go visit the doctor. It’s very likely they are already on some medication, so be sure to ensure that they never run out of stock.  

If they do, use online platforms to order medication so that they never have to put themselves at risk. If they need to consult a doctor, help them get on a teleconsultation. It is also essential that you ensure they get some physical exercise. If you are at home, do some yoga or home-based exercises with them daily. If you aren’t, you can still try doing so over video calls.  

Senior Citizens Healthcare

It is very likely the senior citizens you know and your parents already have insurance. If you have time, sit down with them to understand their healthcare plan and see if you can get a better one for them. If you already have a comprehensive healthcare plan with health insurance, chances are you can add them to that.  

Before you do, however, here are a few key things you need to know: 

• Entry Age: You need to get your parents on your insurance plan as early as possible, it also helps you avail tax benefits. This also helps with the waiting period many insurances have in their terms & conditions (t&c). 
• Coverage Conditions: Not all insurance plans cover all illnesses/diseases. So double-check to see what their existing plan covers. Also, check the waiting period for pre-existing diseases. It will affect your claims.  
• Sum Insured: Ensure that the sum insured is adequate. You don’t want to be caught short and have to pay for medical expenses from your pocket. With age, it is always wiser to choose a higher sum insured so that it covers a wide range of expenses.  
• Get A Health Check-up: Routine health checkups help evaluate the medical condition of a senior citizen. It will help you make an informed decision on what policy to take, and the sum insured.  

It is very important to protect senior citizens, especially during this time. Even small gestures go a long way. If you want to do something big, why not add them to your group healthcare plan? You get all the benefits of an insurance plan with health facilities.

  

If you aren’t part of a group healthcare plan, why not check out Onsurity’s group healthcare plans. Just like Netflix, our monthly subscription model is affordable and easy to use. Head to our website to find out more.

 

Unlock 5.0: Relaxations And Restrictions Issued By The MHA

In line with the nation-wide plan, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced new guidelines under “Unlock 5.0”. Applicable from October 15, the guidelines apply to everything from schools to cinema halls.  

In case you are confused about what all opens up, and what will still remain closed, we are here to help. All the regulations apply to non-containment zones. They are also subject to change by the state government, depending on the situation. So, here’s a quick look at what has changed.  

Indoor Venues Open With Unlock 5.0

From October 15, indoor venues like cinema halls, exhibition venues and swimming pools will be allowed to reopen. However, under Unlock 5.0 guidelines, indoor venues will be allowed to operate only within 50% of their capacity, with a limit of up to 200 people.   

That 200-person limit will also apply to all indoor social, cultural, political and academic gatherings. Only swimming pools used by sportspersons will be allowed to open, as per the MHA. No guidelines have been issued as of yet to reopen gyms.  

Outdoor Venues 

Amusement parks will be allowed to reopen, subject to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Under Unlock 5.0, outdoor gatherings will be permitted, without a specific limit on the number of people.  

The MHA has asked organisers to keep in mind the ground size so that social distancing can be followed. The government has stated that it will enforce mask-wearing, sanitization and thermal screening for all such activities.  

Educational Institutions

Unlock 5.0 has also permitted the reopening of educational institutions such as schools, colleges and coaching centres from October 15. However, the MHA has asked institutions to encourage virtual learning to reduce risk. In case students have to return to the classroom, they can only do so- 

1. With the written consent of their parents 

2. Physical attendance is optional, i.e. it cannot be made mandatory 

The MHA has said that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of educational institutions was completely up to the state/union territory government. For colleges and other higher educational institutions, the MHA said “in the immediate future, institutions only for research scholars and postgraduate students from the sciences and technology streams that require laboratory work will be permitted to open.” 

Containment Zones 

All the above relaxations will apply to non-containment zones. The MHA said that containment zones would remain in lockdown till 31st October. Click here to view the contaminated zones in Karnataka issued by the BBMP (as of 05/10/20). 

Unlock 5.0 guidelines also state that state governments cannot impose local lockdowns outside containment zones, without the explicit approval of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. All containment zones need to be updated on the websites of the respective District Collectors as well as the state/union territory government website. 

Other Regulations Under Unlock 5.0 

Inter-state and intra-state travel will continue to be allowed, except to/from containment zones. The MHA has done away with the requirement for passes for travel. Public transport has also been allowed to resume, but with a 50% capacity limit.  

International air travel still remains restricted under Unlock 5.0, except for repatriation flights and those belonging to the air corridor. Domestic air travel will continue, but with guidelines issued by the state government.  

In case you are planning to step out, there are still several precautions you need to take. These include: 

• Avoiding crowded lifts and escalators.   
• Using public transport only if necessary. Where possible, use your own vehicle or a service like Ola/Uber. 
• Using your elbows to open doors and press buttons rather than your fingers. 

• Avoiding surfaces that are common contact points in public, like doors, handrails, tables and chairs unless necessary. If you do touch them, remember to sanitize your hands.  

Healthcare, especially during COVID-19, cannot be taken lightly. This is why we at Onsurity are doing our bit to help. our healthcare plans are comprehensive with both preventive and reactive care, and group health insurance, teleconsultation, discount medicines and Good Doctor Team Support. That way, your employees can focus on doing their best work, without worrying about the pandemic.  

 

COVID-19 – A Complete Guide For High Risk, Infected And Recovered People

It may seem like COVID-19 just isn’t going away. It’s a huge challenge, especially when we are still not sure of how people get infected, and what the symptoms are. It is important to take precautions, but it is even more important to separate facts from fiction. 

This is why we have put together this simple guide to COVID-19. Just because we have over 80 lakh cases and counting doesn’t mean we can’t combat this disease. Whether you are in the high-risk category, an infected person or recovered from COVID-19, here’s everything you should know.  

India’s COVID-19 Statistics 

As of 30th September 2020, India ranked as the second most infected nation in the world for COVID-19. On the bright side, we have over 50 lakh people (as of 30/09/20) who have recovered from the virus. In the first week of September, the nation’s death rate dropped to 1.72% from 2.15% (as recorded in August).  

That doesn’t mean we should celebrate just yet. Battling COVID-19 requires a holistic approach. We cannot beat it without taking precautions in multiple areas. Here’s a quick look at some necessary precautions you need to take.  

People At High Risk 

People at high-risk are often those with low immunity. That means senior citizens, young children and those with pre-existing diseases like diabetes. If you fall in that category, here’s everything you should do: 

• Avoid Public Spaces: The first key step is to avoid crowds. Since people can be asymptomatic, there’s no telling who has the virus and who doesn’t. If you really need to go out, try to do so when there is less crowd and social distancing is possible. 
• Sanitise and Wash: Make sure you have an alcohol-based sanitiser handy at all times. Whenever possible, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap. 
• Wear a Mask: Always wear a mask, covering your mouth and nose at all times. It’s also wise to wear one when people who don’t belong to your household visit you. 
• Disinfect: It’s a good idea to regularly disinfect all the surfaces in your house that you frequently touch. We are talking about sinks, taps, kitchen counters, door handles, and shelves.  
• Isolate if Symptoms Present: Should you, or any member of your household show symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, excessive coughing, etc.) it is wise to isolate yourself immediately and get tested.  

If You Are Infected With COVID-19

If you have unfortunately been infected with COVID-19, or have symptoms of the virus, there are a few key steps to follow. That way, you can battle the disease easier, and avoid infecting others. The steps to take are: 

• Get Advice: Report your infection to the nearest hospital. They will guide you to the nearest COVID centre. Sometimes, home isolation can also be done if the symptoms are not too severe. Remember to get advice from licensed medical professionals. WhatsApp forwards and Google are not always right.  
• Rest: The best way to beat any infection is to rest. Make sure you cut down on screen time and any unnecessary activities. Listen to your body, it will tell you when to log off and sleep. 
• Eat and Drink Right: Ample fluid intake is necessary to fight the infection. Ensure you are constantly drinking warm fluids like water or milk. Avoid anything cold. Also ensure you eat a properly balanced diet, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Your body will need it! 
• Separate Yourself: Isolating yourself is critical, but it is also essential to isolate your belongings. Ensure you use separate dishes, towels, and bedding. Make sure that they are cleaned properly with soap and warm water. It is also wise to disinfect common surfaces like door handles and taps that you share.  

Once You Have Recovered 

Just because you have beaten COVID-19, doesn’t mean the fight is over. You should remember that just because you test negative, it doesn’t mean your body is completely healed. You will still have fatigue, chest congestion and general weakness for a few weeks.  

To boost recovery, some things you can do are: 

• Eat Right: Consume fresh fruit and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Eating steamed vegetables is a great way to regain energy. 
• Drink Warm Liquids: If you are still coughing or having chest congestion, warm fluids help. Drink warm water and almond milk regularly. You should also inhale steam 2-3 times a day to reduce the phlegm.  
• Breathe: Breathing exercises are a good way to clear congestion. You can practice something called active cycle breathing. 
• De-stress: It is good to take up yoga and meditation as they aid in physical recovery. Make sure you do not push your body too much, as that can be counter-productive. If you are feeling weak or unable, stop. 

Post COVID-19 Diet

As a leader, it may be difficult to protect your team from COVID-19. That’s why we are here to help! Onsurity has a group healthcare plan that comes with health benefits like online medicine and lab tests, group health insurance, and Covid-19 cover. We are keen on keeping your team as healthy as they can be. To see how visit our website.