Malacañang Palace on Thursday issued the guidelines for mall and shopping center operations in areas under GCQ or general community quarantine.
The remaining areas in the country which are still under enhanced community quarantine are expected to shift to GCQ after May 15.
Mall operations guidelines during GCQ
- Monitored foot traffic and enforced safe distancing through:
- limiting the number of people inside to a density of not more than one person per two square meters
- reducing the number of open entrances
- allowing only one companion for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities
- ensuring social distancing (one meter apart)
- assigning personnel in high-density areas
- standing on every other step of the escalator
- limiting access to elevators to seniors citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women, and total passengers to only half of the original standard capacity
- marking or reducing the seats available for waiting
- creating a one-way flow to decongest queues and facilitate movement
- increasing police visibility
2. Designated centralized pick-up location for delivery service providers
3. Regulated air conditioning to 26 degrees centigrade
4. No more free Wi-Fi
5. Postponed sale events, marketing events, and other promotions which tend to attract large crowds
6. Implement other measures necessary (e.g., express lanes)
“Wala po dapat Wi-Fi dahil kapag malamig at may Wi-Fi, eh marami pong tatambay,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.
(There should be no WiFi because if it is cold and there is WiFi, many would loiter in the malls.)
“Wala muna po tayong sales at saka mga marketing events na magdadahilan para magdagsaan ang tao,” he added.
(No more sales for now and also marketing events that could be reasons for people to crowd shopping centers.)
Also read: Not all cities in Metro Manila will shift to GCQ-DILG
MRT, LRT, PNR guidelines during GCQ
Pregnant women, individuals below 20 and above 60, will not be allowed to ride the LRT, PNR, and MRT once the railways resume their operation under the GCQ.
LRT Lines 1 and 2, MRT 3, and PNR passengers should also expect longer lines and waiting time as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will strictly impose physical distancing under GCQ.
DOTr will also impose the no face mask, no entry policy set by the Department of Health in all train stations. Checking of body temperatures is also required. Those showing coronavirus symptoms or with registered body temperatures of 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher are not allowed to enter the premises.
All personnel is also required to wear face masks and gloves, while security guards in charge of inspecting passengers’ bags or stationed at the Commuter Welfare Desk will have to wear face shields.
Train stations should also conduct regular disinfection and sanitation of train interiors, station premises, and facilities. They should also put up hand washing or disinfectant stations.