In preparation for the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine and to maintain the safety of consumers, the Department of Trade and Industry has issued guidelines in the operations of shopping centers and malls during the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
DTI noted that establishments allowed to operate should still follow minimum health standards set by the DOH such as social distancing, disinfection and sanitation practices of sellers and buyers. Under DTI Memorandum Circular 20-21 dated May 4, 2020, malls and shopping centers should follow these guidelines:
- Maintaining a walkable space of by limiting number of persons in the establishments by at least one person per two (2) square meters to enable social distancing
- Mall entrances to be reduced to better manage foot traffic
- Senior citizens, pregnant women, PWDs buying essential goods should only have one (1) companion in the establishments
- Assigning of personnel to regulate foot traffic in high density areas of establishment
- Ensuring that persons stand on escalators on every other step only
- Limiting access to senior citizens, pregnant women and PWDs using elevators to half the original standard carrying capacity of the elevator
- Marking or reducing seats for waiting customers
- Creating one way flow for buyers to avoid ques and congestion
- Assigning of centralized pick up location for delivery/pick up station for establishments with delivery services
- Regulation of aircon temperature to 26 degrees
- Turning off of Free Wifi to customers
- Suspension of sales and marketing events that attract large crowds
- Increasing police visibility should there be a need to enforce physical distancing
- Implementing other measures that may be necessary to ensure social distancing and sanitation
Regional Director Judith P. Angeles said that the agency will monitor the situation during the GCQ through its Price Monitoring Teams which regularly check the price and supply situation in stores, malls and supermarkets in the region.
She also advised consumers to report establishments not following the guidelines through the consumer hotline 1-384 or through its Facebook page DTI Consumer Care or text 09178343330.
