NEW DELHI: The office of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the government on Sunday issued guidelines for controlling spread of COVID-19 in densely populated areas and urged community leaders, NGOs and corporates to implement these measures which include swift installation of foot-operated “do-it-yourself hand-washing stations” that have been used worldwide to contain epidemics.The proposed designs of the foot-operated “do-it-yourself hand-washing stations”, as suggested by the PSA’s office, will allow its self-assembly by community volunteers and authorities, using affordable and locally available materials, even during lockdown and amid supply-chain challenges.“Foot-operated stations not only reduce the chance of transmission by eliminating direct contact with potentially high infection areas, but also reduce the amount of water used by people during hand-washing,” said a statement of the PSA’s office.It said, “Chlorinating the water dispensed at such hand washing stations adds additional effectiveness and should be considered.”“The manual brings out how frugal but effective tools can have disproportionate positive impact. Sites of community interaction, such as common toilets and bathing areas are the focus. Community leaders, NGOs, corporates etc. are urged to implement these and other measures,” said the PSA, K VijayRaghavan , while emphasising how these measures would be quite effective in densely populated places such as Dharavi in Mumbai.The key goal of the proposed measures is to emphasise sanitation and hygienic practices and suggest key interventions that can greatly help in controlling the spread of the disease.The guidelines, issued by the PSA’s office, particularly relate to areas where toilets, washing or bathing facilities are shared. It clearly outlines good toilet practices to maintain sanitation and hygiene in communities.“Simple measures such as the need to always wear face-covers and footwear in the toilet, washing hands immediately after use and maintaining social-distancing have been highlighted. Disinfectants to keep public areas and homes clean and sanitised have also been detailed,” said the statement.These guidelines will be made available to general public, NGOs and local authorities in all languages.