Visiting the shopping mall is one of our favourite weekend pastimes. Besides shopping for necessities, it's also our go-to spot to hang out with our family and friends.
During these challenging times of COVID-19, it can be tricky to go out and about while keeping ourselves safe. If you're looking for hygiene tips to practice when visiting shopping malls, here are some ways to keep you and your family safe.
Before going to the mall
1. Stay home if you're sick
Where possible, do avoid heading out to the shopping mall if you are feeling unwell or showing symptoms of illness. Those who are also more susceptible to the virus (e.g. those with a compromised immune system or the elderly), are generally advised to stay home.
It's also best for anyone with a recent travel history to red-zone areas (a location with a high number of COVID-19 cases) to stay at home too.
2. Take note of the mall's guidelines
Since the beginning of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia, all shopping malls in Malaysia have implemented additional policies including temperature checks, the use of hand sanitisers and face masks as well as social distancing measures.
It's important that we follow them, especially when visiting a crowded area, to reduce the chances of COVID-19 transmissions.
3. Limit the number of activities to do in the mall
Although it's great to hit the shopping malls like we used to, we recommend limiting the number of activities to do in the mall to spend lesser time outdoors.
Start by having a list of things to do in the shopping mall. If you're planning to only shop for groceries and enjoy dinner with your family, stick to it and head home once you've crossed them off your list.
4. Visit the mall during off-peak hours
While it's impossible to avoid the crowd when in a shopping mall, you can practice better social distancing measures when visiting during off-peak hours.
Instead of heading to the shopping mall during weekends, visit during weekdays and preferably early morning or after dinner. Since there'll be lesser people in the mall during those times, you'll have more space to practice a one-meter distance with other shoppers.
In the mall
5. Wear a face mask
In Malaysia, it's now compulsory to wear face masks when in public places, including public transports, tourist attractions, cinemas, supermarkets, and other crowded areas. Starting 1 August 2020, anyone who goes against the mandatory face mask rule will be subjected to a fine up to RM1,000. So, masks up, everyone!
6. Maintain a safe distance
Shoppers are generally advised to keep a distance of at least one-metre apart from the next shopper and it applies at all times, from when you enter the shopping malls, as you're visiting different stores, and when you're queueing to pay for your purchases.
Some stores have also marked out designated lines to help customers be aware and uphold the one-meter distance, so do follow them accordingly! If they don't have them, be mindful of others and keep your distance as you shop.
7. Wash or sanitise your hands frequently
It's important to keep our hands as clean as possible (while also refraining from touching our face). Hand sanitizer is a convenient option to clean your hands while shopping in the mall - do it as you enter and also when you leave.
A lot of stores have started providing sanitizer for customers, but it's good to bring your own just in case! Plus, you can continuously clean your hands while doing your shopping if need be.
8. Pay using cashless transaction
Instead of paying with cash, opt for a cashless transaction such as e-wallet, debit card or credit card. This is important to limit contact while you're handing over your cash to someone else.
After leaving the mall
9. Wash your hands thoroughly
Once you reached home, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds!
While these are some exceptional times, let's do our best to take precautions and stay safe while we get through this. May these tips be helpful for your next visit to the shopping mall! For more hygiene tips, check out our recommended reads below: