Reopening responsibly: Ras Al Khaimah malls, shopping centres reopen

Ras Al Khaimah - Limited visitor capacity at malls and restaurants, and regular temperature checks of staff are among the preventive steps in place.

Malls and shopping centres in Ras Al Khaimah are now open to the public.

The establishments will open at 10am, according to sources at the Department of Economic Development, RAK.

"Closing time is yet to be decided by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority."

Cinemas, gyms, entertainment centers, public sitting areas, and prayer rooms are still closed, they added.

Visitor capacity at malls is restricted to 30 per cent, and visitors under 12 and over 60 are still not allowed.

Likewise, restaurants may only reopen for 30 per cent of their capacities at most, they underlined.

"Groups exceeding four individuals cannot share a single table, and tables need to be placed at least 2.5 meters apart."

To ensure the health and safety of shoppers, health checks must be regularly carried out on all cleaning and security staff at malls, the department affirmed.

"All visitors need to wear masks and gloves, and bring their own bags."

Car parks must only be operated at 50 per cent of their capacities, they said. "No more than three people should be allowed in a single vehicle."

Valet parking and car wash services are still suspended, they noted.

"Disinfection devices and temperature checkpoints will be installed at entrances and those with a fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius will be asked to leave."

"Periodic disinfection campaigns will be implemented all around the centres, especially the surfaces shoppers are most in contact with, such as handrails on escalators."

Shoppers are encouraged to use e-payment systems and leave elevators for people with special needs (at a capacity of two people at a time), they elaborated.

"Signages will be placed on escalators and floors to ensure that physical distancing is observed, while all public touchscreens will be disabled, and a team of paramedics will be available at all times."

All stores need to have all their employees tested for Covid-19 before reopening, they announced.

"Staff are required to wear masks and gloves and change them frequently, while their temperature will be taken every day upon entering the premises, and throughout the day."

Assembly of crowds is banned, the department cautioned. "Only one person per five square meters must be admitted."

Encouraging e-payment solutions, they said returns and exchanges are prohibited.

"Shopping carts must be sanitised before and after every use, and certain activities should be restricted, such as testing cosmetics and perfumes or trying on shoes. Fitting rooms shall remain completely shut."

In-mall restaurants are urged to disinfect their facilities on a daily basis, including tables and chairs, following every use. "They should opt for single-use utensils and provide hand sanitisers at payment terminals."

"Salons may only offer hair and nail services, while guests are strictly through pre-booked appointments, with full attention to physical distancing regulations."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah