By ARGYLL GEDUCOS
Malacañang said yesterday that malls are set to ditch free WiFi access and holding of sales events under the so-called “new normal” to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the announcement after the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved several guidelines for retail hubs that are meant to discourage people from loitering.
Under the approved guidelines, mall operators shall monitor foot traffic and enforce safe distancing by:
1. Allowing only one person per two square meters.
2. Reducing the number of open entrances.
3. Allowing only one companion for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
4. Ensuring that mall goers maintain a distance of one meter from one another.
5. Assigning personnel in high-density areas.
6. Standing on every other step of the escalator.
7. Limiting access to elevators to seniors citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women, and total passengers to only half of the original standard capacity.
8. Marking or reducing the seats available for waiting.
9. Creating one-way flow to decongest queues and facilitate movement.
10. Increasing police visibility
Malls shall also designate a centralized pick-up location for delivery service providers.
The newly approved guidelines maintained the earlier directive to regulate air conditioning to 26 degrees Celsius and turn off free Wi-Fi.
“Wala po dapat Wi-Fi dahil kapag malamig at may Wi-Fi ay marami pong tatambay,” Roque said.
Events that tend to attract large crowds like sale events and marketing events, among others, are suspended.
Malls are also encouraged to implement other necessary measures like having express lanes. They are allowed to reopen in areas under the general community quarantine.
Malacañang had earlier announced that mall goers will be required to wear face masks and use hand sanitizers when entering these establishments.
Those below 21-years-old, 60-years-old and above, and those who look sick will not be allowed to enter. Mall goers will likewise undergo thermal scanning.
Mall owners should ensure that all employees are wearing face masks and gloves.