On Saturday, May 16, the government placed several places under the general community quarantine and the modified enhanced community quarantine. Under these schemes, malls received the go signal to open essential and non-leisure services.
SM, one of the country’s top shopping destinations, has made everyone’s safety a top priority as they open their doors to shoppers after two months.
Also Read: What is the difference between MECQ, GCQ, and MGCQ?
In line with the government’s directives, SM ensures safe malling for its shoppers as they continue to carry out strict safety and sanitation measures—even going above and beyond the protocols set by the authorities.
Thorough Sanitation
All malls are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to opening and throughout mall hours, especially in areas with heavy customer contact. These include waiting areas for supermarkets, cashiers, and customer service counters.
Entrances also have disinfecting foot mats and alcohol dispensers. Restrooms are sanitized every 30 minutes.
Also Read: UP Diliman students develop sanitation tents to stop the spread of CoViD-19
Physical Distancing
SM is also encouraging its shoppers to be responsible amid this pandemic. Everyone will be required to wear face masks at all times. Shoppers entering the malls will also be subjected to temperature checks.
The mall also puts emphasis on physical distance while shopping. Floor directional arrows are placed in hallways and common areas to encourage one-way customer traffic. This will help shoppers to avoid close contact with others while inside the mall. Safety Protocol Officers are deployed to ensure that these measures are enforced and followed.
And because loitering is discouraged, SM’s free Wi-Fi access will be disabled and “leisure” activities will remain closed. Customers are requested to limit malling activities to buying essentials such as food and medicine.
Also Read: Have you looked into your workplace’s safety measures against COVID-19?
Mass Testing
SM will also conduct rapid mass testing for all its employees and frontliners, including janitors and security guards. Mall tenants may avail of the test, at a cost, for their staff.
Mall management has provided face masks and face shields, while agency personnel working in high customer contact areas are required to wear gloves. Employees shall also undergo temperature checks at the start of shift and throughout the day.
