Abu Dhabi’s Economic Development Department has issued a Circular for malls and shopping centres on how they could reopen.
They will be allowed to open from 12pm to 9pm. However, supermarkets, pharmacies and money exchange houses will be allowed to open from 9am till midnight. Commercial activity and service restrictions will apply to gyms, cinemas and entertainment venues. Food and beverage outlets will have to operate at 30% seating capacity and up to four people only will be allowed to sit at tables. They must also be 2.5 metres away from each other.
Visitors will not be able to use common seating areas and prayer rooms. They should also ensure the overall capacity doesn’t exceed 30% and those over 60 will not be allowed to enter. The wearing of face masks and gloves will be compulsory and visitors should ideally bring their own bags. Car parks will not be able to be more than 50% full and only three people will be allowed in each car. Valet parking and car wash services will not be available and there will have to be separate entrances and exits.
Crowd management measures will also have to be in place. Sanitising and thermal screening at all entrances will have to be installed and anyone with a temperature higher than 38 Degrees will not be allowed to enter. In addition, regular sanitisation facilities will have to be available including at touchpoints and escalators. Electronic payment should also be encouraged and only two people at a time will be able to use lifts. There will be social distance markers on floors and escalators to ensure social distancing. All touch screens must be disabled and paramedics will have to be available during trading hours.
Shops will have to ensure their staff use face masks and gloves and change them in line with the guidelines. All staff will also have to be tested for Coronavirus before malls reopen and their temperatures should be checked when they arrive, during their work day and when the leave. Stores will have to be cleaned throughout the days and customers will have to be five square metres apart when in a shop.
It comes as the Emirate looks to reopen its economy following the Coronavirus outbreak.
