MANILA - SM, Robinsons and Megaworld said Friday safety measures against COVID-19 would be in place when their malls start gradually resuming operations on May 16.

SM Supermalls will resume essential and non-leisure services, SM said in a statement. The lockdown or enhanced community quarantine will be downgraded to a modified ECQ on Saturday, the first easing in 2 months.

"As part of SM’s campaign to promote #SafeMallingAtSM, all SM malls will continue to carry out strict safety and sanitation measures to assure shoppers that SM malls are safe and clean, complying with safety and sanitation protocols over and above government regulations," it said.

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SM Supermalls' "safe malling" protocols:

• Malls are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to opening and throughout mall hours especially in areas with heavy contact
• Temperature checks and disinfecting foot mats at entrances while alcohol dispensers will be placed in entrances and rest rooms
• Rest rooms will be sanitized every 30 minutes
• Face masks and "safe distancing" will be required "at all times"
• Free Wi-Fi access will be disabled
• Leisure establishments will remain closed
• Directional arrows will be placed in common areas and hallways to encourage "one-way customer traffic" and to avoid close contact
• Safety protocol officers have been deployed to reinforce the measures
• Rapid testing for all employees and frontliners, including janitors and security guards

"As the country heals and recovers from the crisis, SM, together with its employees and partners, will continue to serve and support communities as its malls make everyone’s safety a top priority," SM said.

Robinsons Malls said its branches would reopen in areas where the enhanced community quarantine has been lifted by the local governments. Strict safety measures will also be in place.

“Robinsons Malls is one with every Filipino in valuing life--keeping everyone safe while making everyday worth living,” the mall operator said.

Robinson’s Malls safety protocols:

• Mall Operating Hours shall be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily or depending on the guidelines prescribed by the LGU
• Social distancing of at least 1 meter apart will be imposed for queuing in entrances, restrooms, ATMs and stores. Floor markings will be placed in hallways, restroom and queuing areas
• Temperature screening in entrances. Those with temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius and above will not be allowed to enter the malls
• Face masks or alternatives are required. No mask, no entry
• Limited entry of customers to avoid overcrowding. The number of entrances will also be reduced
• Limited access to elevators
• Disinfection of all areas
• Alcohol and hand sanitizers will be provided. Sanitizing mats will also be placed in entrances
• Centralized pick-up point for stores with pick-up/delivery service

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls said "heightened" safety measures would be enforced when its malls reopen on May 16.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls' reopening protocols

● Thermal scanning and foot bath are mandatory for all guests at all entrances
● All guests, mall employees and store personnel are required to wear face masks at all times
● Social distancing of 3 feet apart within mall premises and when queuing at concierge, ATMs, cashiers and comfort rooms is strictly implemented
● Alcohol and hand sanitizers are available
● Guests are encouraged to use cashless transactions for their purchases
● Only guests ages 21 to 59 will be allowed to enter. Guests must present their IDs upon entry.
● Elevator and parking card push buttons are sanitized every 30 minutes
● Parking cards are sanitized before deployment at the card dispenser
● Sanitation squad is deployed at all times to deep clean door handles, handrails, comfort rooms and common areas
● Escalator handrails are disinfected using UV light
● Dine-in is not allowed in all dining establishments
● Pick-up counters and drive-thru stations are in place for takeout orders and deliveries
● Free WiFi is temporarily unavailable
● Air conditioning is set at 26 Degrees Celsius
● Chapels, entertainment and leisure establishments will remain closed

“The safety and well-being of our guests, employees and retail partners remain our topmost priority and we have put in place more intensified safety measures to help ensure a safer and happier shopping experience for everyone once we reopen our doors,” Megaworld Lifestyle Malls first vice president and head Graham Coates said.

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