No sale events for malls in GCQ areas, says govt

MANILA, Philippines — Malls and shopping centers in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) will no longer be allowed to hold sale and marketing events as part of strict precautions against the novel coronavirus.

The prohibition is among the set of rules released by Malacañang on Thursday.

Except for leisure establishments and services, the government has allowed limited mall operations in areas under GCQ.

The following are the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) for mall operators in areas under GCQ:

(1) Monitor foot traffic and enforce safe distancing by:

-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 (1 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 one-way flow to decongest queues and facilitate movement; and

-Increasing police visibility

(2) Designate a centralized pickup location for delivery service providers;

(3) Regulate air conditioning to 26 degrees centigrade;

(4) Turn off free Wi-Fi;

(5) Suspend sale events, marketing events, and other promotions which tend to attract large crowds; and

(6) Implement other measures necessary (e.g., express lanes)

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque earlier said mall-goers would also be required to wear face masks and use hand sanitizers while mall operators and store owners will be required to observe “minimum health standards.”

President Duterte had extended until May 15 the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in areas classified as having a high risk of COVID-19 infection such as Metro Manila, Central Luzon (except Aurora province), and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon).

Meanwhile, areas listed as low-risk for the coronavirus disease were placed under GCQ where some movement restrictions will be eased.

/MUF