THE general community quarantine (GCQ) in Bacolod City which began on May 16 has brought out fewer people going out as many were still careful against being infected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Although the Inter-Agency Task Force against Covid-19 in its Resolution No. 35 has classified Bacolod City and Negros Occidental as areas with low risk, people are still showing their vigilance against the unseen virus.
But there were those who went out last Saturday just to experience what it feels to be staying outside after more than two months of being stuck inside their homes due to the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
But inside a mall such as SM Bacolod which partly opened some shops and stores that sell essentials, people have shown cooperation with the mall policy on wearing masks, social distancing, and practice of personal hygiene.
May V. Castro, public relations manager of SM City Bacolod, said only essential and non-leisure establishments were opened.
They encouraged mall goers to enjoy safe malling by observing the sanitation and safety efforts of the management.
The mall management is committed to the safety of its shoppers.
It will maintain mall hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
She said, the mall has leveled up its sanitation efforts, going over and above recommended measures to make sure that shoppers are safe and secure as they access the premises. Strict safety and sanitation measures are being carried out regularly.
Such measures include misting and disinfection, both indoor and outdoor.
SM thanks its partner, the Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade, in its regular sanitation of the mall’s outdoor areas and parking spaces. The mall’s sanitation team is deployed to thoroughly clean surfaces, especially in areas frequently occupied and touched by customers, like elevator buttons, ATM machines, handrails, escalators and the like.
In accordance to the directives of the City Government and the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), SM enforces safety distancing.
Tenants are also asked to practice the same and to consistently remind customers to comply. Floor markers have been installed to guide customers while they are in line. All are required to wear facemasks at all times.
Over the weekend, around 150 stores resumed operations while those not yet allowed to open under the city and IATF’s mandates remained closed.
Those who have missed their favorite meals and treats from SM food tenants and restaurants were able to have them through take-out and delivery services.
SM City Bacolod also has an Order and Go shopping innovation which is similar to a drive-thru service where shoppers can call the participating stores and pick-up their purchases at the designated mall areas.
At the mall’s entrances, customers will be required to undergo temperature checks, use alcohol and step on foot bath mats before they can enter.
Alcohol dispensers are also available around the mall and in the restrooms.
The restrooms are sanitized every 30 minutes.
Loitering is discouraged and so Wi-Fi access has been disabled while leisure establishments remain closed. Shoppers are requested to limit their malling activities and only come to buy essentials, such as food and medicine and accessing non-leisure services.