Shopping mall operators SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls vowed to implement strict safety and sanitation measures once they reopen their facilities to customers on Saturday.
The two companies made the commitment after the government allowed the reopening of non-leisure shops at shopping malls on May 16 when Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu City would be placed under the modified enhanced community quarantine.
Under the modified ECQ, the government will the reopening of malls and commercial centers for non-leisure activities, delivery and takeout services of restaurants, hardware stores, clothing and accessories stores, mall-based government frontline services, bookstores and school and office supplies stores, baby care supplies stores, pet food and pet care supplies stores, electronic equipment stores, toy stores and other shops.
SM Prime said in a statement all its malls were being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to the opening of malls and throughout mall house especially in areas with heavy customer contact.
Mall entrances would be equipped with temperature checks and disinfecting foot mats while alcohol dispensers would be provided at mall entrances and restrooms. Mall goers will also be required to wear face masks at all times.
SM Prime said it would also promote the importance of physical distancing. The company said it would disable free Wi-Fi access to customers while leisure establishments would remain closed.
SM Prime also agreed to conduct COVID-19 antibody rapid testing for all employees and agency front liners, including janitors and security guards.
Meanwhile, Megaworld said heightened safety measures including the strict implementation of social distancing, mandatory thermal checks, compulsory wearing of facemasks and cashless transactions are among the new safeguards that would be part of the ‘new normal’ in its lifestyle malls and commercial properties across the country.
The company said it would intensify existing mall sanitation and safety protocols including the introduction of brand new and state-of-the-art disinfection chambers, which would be stationed at different mall entrances to help mitigate the spread of the viral disease.
Contactless purchases including the use of mobile or cashless transactions at select stores and the establishment of designated pick-up counters and drive-thru stations for online takeout orders and deliveries are also among the new additional measures to be implemented to protect and give shoppers more options when it comes to buying food and other essentials safely.
“The safety and well-being of our guests, employees and retail partners remain our topmost priority, and we have put in place more intensified safety measures to help ensure a safer and happier shopping experience for everyone once we reopen our doors,” said Megaworld Lifestyle Malls first vice president and head Graham Coates.