Under MGCQ Malls and Shopping Centers May Operate However

As Baguio City awaits for the Modified General Community Quarantine status, businesses are gearing up for their re-opening. As the City expects the surge of businesses reopening especially in malls and shopping centers, the City Mayor has released an advisory regarding the operations of the same during the Modified General Community Quarantine period.

Citing the provisions of the IATF Resolution No. 37 and its amendments on Resolution No. 38, as well as the DTI Memorandum Circular no. 20-22. Limited operations in malls and shopping centers shall be allowed.

Mall and Shopping Center Operations:

Starting June 1, 2020. Malls and Shopping centers in Baguio City may operate from Monday to Sunday of every week. On the condition that strict compliance with the mandated health standards will be observed as provided by DOH, DTI, DOLE, IATF-EID, and local COVID-19 IATF.

Health and Safety Regulations to Be Observed:

Wearing of Facemask

1. All persons inside malls, shopping centers, stores, shops, and service centers must wear face masks;

Foot Traffic Monitoring and Social Distancing

2. Strict monitoring of foot traffic and social distancing within the premises, which shall be done through the following:

a. Limiting the number of people inside the mall, shopping center, store, shop, or service center at any given time to a density of not more than 1 person per space of 2 square meters;

b. Reducing the number of mall entrances, as far as practicable;

c. Senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) may be accompanied by only 1 companion;

d. Assigning personnel to regulate foot traffic in high-density areas and frequented walkways, elevators, and escalators;

e. Ensuring that customers stand on alternate steps of the escalator to maintain social distancing;

f. Operating elevators at 50% carriage capacity, with priority for senior citizens, pregnant women, and PWDs with mobility and visual disabilities;

g. Creating a one-way walk flow to decongest queues and pathways; and

h. Increasing police and security personnel visibility to enforce strict social distancing

Pick-up and Delivery Services

3. Assign a centralized pick up location for delivery and pickup services;

Deter loitering inside the Mall

4. Deter loitering and non-essential travel by regulating air-conditioning inside the mall to 26 degrees centigrade, turning off free wi-fi to customers, and suspending the conduct of sale events, marketing events, and other promotions which tend to attract large crowds;

No Product Testing

5. Removal of product testers and samples in product aisles;

Close Fitting Rooms

6. Closing off fitting rooms in clothing stores and clothing departments;

Installation of Directional Signs

7. Installing directional signs and markers to guide shoppers and customers in the observance of appropriate queueing and social distancing;

Disinfectant and Sanitizer Access

8. Providing disinfectant, sanitizers, or hand wash stations at entrances of malls, shopping centers, and stores;

Regular General Disinfection

9. Carry out general disinfection of all contact surfaces at the end of each day;

Wear PPE’s for Workers or Employees

10. Remind vendors, workers, employees, roving supervisors, and security personnel to wear face shields, face masks, and gloves while inside the premises;

Additional Safety measures

11. Mall and shopping center operators are encouraged to implement any other additional safety measures deemed necessary to carry out the objective of this Advisory.