COVID-19 guidelines: When malls in UAE reopen, they will have to follow these protocols

Malls have been closed in the UAE, in line with the national strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, when they do open, these are the guidelines they have been asked to follow.

Economic Departments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai stated that malls would have to follow protocols and guidelines when the malls reopen.

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Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Abu Dhabi Media Office tweeted on April 22 that the economic department was in touch with mall managements and stakeholders to discuss the guidelines.

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The guidelines were discussed to ensure community health and safety.

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Dubai Economic Department issued detailed guidelines and protocols for the opening of various establishments.

The announcement clearly stated that establishments had to abide by the guidelines before opening as well as continue to do so afterwards.

The official announcement on the date of reopening of establishments would be made shortly, according to DED.

The reopening of establishments would happen in stages, and the document stated the protocols and guidelines for Stage 1.

Establishments that would be allowed to open include shopping malls, high-street, souqs and wholesale establishments, transport and logistics, manufacturing

... offices, within restrictions, and social welfare services

For malls and souqs, these were the guidelines provided by DED.

Operating hours would be 10 hours per day; a visitor could only stay for a maximum of three hours and the establishments could not go over 30 per cent occupancy.

Family entertainment, changing rooms, prayer rooms and cinemas would not be open.

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Thermal scanners or camera would be installed at malls.

Strict 24-hour santisation procedures also needed to be followed.

Everyone entering the mall would go through a health check.

Hand sanitisers would need to be provided and everyone was required to wear face masks.

Malls also need to have isolation rooms, in the event that a potential positive case is found.

The malls were also asked to establish standard operating procedures to implement the guidelines.

Malls have been asked to ensure the staff is educating on the protocol and guidelines for COVID-19.

Trial rooms would have strict santisation procedures, after each use.

However, to protect consumer rights, establishments were asked to not implement a 'no return policy'.

DED also asked malls to encourage smart payment options but continue to accept cash payments.

Cleaning team also needs to be fully staffed, with toilets being sanitised after each use.

High-touch points also need to be cleaned frequently.

Supplying processes also need to abide by the santisation and hygiene protocols.

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Malls were asked to have electronic doors, instead of manual ones, with separate entry and exit points.

Gold and jewellery items also have strict sanitisation protocols.

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Food and beverage outlets were asked to only serve items in disposable packages and cutlery.

Tables and chairs needed to be cleaned with a 75 per cent alcohol solution after each use.

Social distancing also needs to be practised by everyone at the mall.

This means not filling up an elevator to more than 30 per cent of its capacity as well.

The 30 per cent limit needs to be adhered across spaces within the establishments - stores, restaurants or hallways.

Tables for dine-in also need to be kept at least six feet apart.

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Parking space would also be closed to ensure only 25 per cent space is provided and all entertainment activities and tourist attractions would continue to be suspended.

Public seating would also be removed.

You would need to plan your trip to ensure that you only stay at the mall for three hours at the most. If you are present with a child, ensure discipline to maintain public health and safety.

Malls were also asked to inform all visitors on the limit on number of visitors as well as trip duration.

DED encourage mall management to provide rental ease to retailers as well.

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All mall entry points had to be open to ensure crowding did not take place as visitors went through a health check at entry points.

Elderly and children between three to 12 would not be allowed to enter.

You can also expect establishments to not offer any sales during this period. This has been done to avoid any chance of crowding.

Valet services would also not be provided.