DTI USec. Ruth Castelo visited malls in Metro Manila that are already in operation and inspected them if they’re following quarantine protocols that will ensure the safety of mall goers.
TriNoma Mall in Quezon City have their own thermal scanner at the mall entrance that can easily check visitors’ temperature. Other malls like SM, Ayala, and Robinsons have placed floor markings within the mall premises in compliance with the health standards and protocols.. However, Usec. Castelo is not satisfied on how social and physical distancing are being enforced inside these malls. She said that malls should be more strict in implementing the protocol inside their buildings.
Shoppers who are buying apparels and the likes are not allowed to fit the items prior to purchasing for health security reasons. Landmark does not allow shoes fitting but SM City North EDSA is more lenient.
USec. Castelo anticipates the sudden surge of people going to the malls by June 1 in NCR. Castelo advises the malls and its visitors to be cautious while inside the malls and encourage all to follow protocols to avoid and prevent COVID-19 transmission among mall shoppers and tenants.
