Shopping Rules During the Pandemic as Stores Begin To Reopen

Following a very strict lockdown period, the country is starting to open slowly to accommodate businesses and to resume working on its economy. Stores and public spaces are yet again crowded with people who wear their masks and maintain social distance. Shopping malls too have opened for business and are welcoming people, as long as special COVID-19 protocols are followed to ensure health and safety. Considering how malls have faced dire consequences of the pandemic, they are all taking all the necessary measures to avoid any complication that would hurt the reputation of their property. But, as you step out, how do you take care of yourself? While new shopping rules have been initiated by shopping malls for the safety of the customers, how can you contribute to the movement? Shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic would be quite challenging, but as long as you adhere to some important shopping rules for safety at shopping malls, you wouldn't have to worry as much.

Maintain social distance at all cost

Shopping during COVID-19 might be a little risky as you will be visiting a public space and interacting with people. However, intending to keep everyone safe and bring back the shopping mall trend, many places are incorporating some strict rules and regulations. One of the main or rather important one, remains to be maintaining social distance. So, when you step out during the pandemic, follow social distancing as one of the most important safety rules at shopping malls. You will notice that even the security at the malls would ask you to maintain distance, even if you are going with someone you know or are close to.

Avoid touching any surface

At all cost, do not touch anything in the shopping mall, for your safety. Public space surfaces are utilised by many people from all walks of life. To regulate or gauge the safety protocols being followed by every individual visiting the mall is very difficult. However, for your personal safety, it is best not to touch anything in a public space. Safety protocols and rules at shopping malls would expect you to avoid touching the handrails, escalators, doors, door handles, etc. Even when you use the mall's lavatory, ensure that you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before leaving. You will notice stickers and security guards asking you not to touch anything in the mall.

Do not try out clothes in the trial room

Remember that the clothes hung in the showroom might have been touched by plenty of people. Sure, the shops do take necessary precautions and measures to steam the fabric, but there are chances of inconsistencies in their services which could be a risky affair. Plus, trial rooms are very compact and have no proper ventilation. So, once again, it turns into a dire situation which you would rather avoid. What you can do is carry a measuring tape and check the size before purchasing the clothing. It might sound a bit tedious, but it's a step to safety that is worth the effort. Or, if you are well aware of your size, then that would also be beneficial for you as you can directly pick the clothing. In case the outfit doesn't look good, you can even return it to the store. But ensure to follow the safety rule when shopping in a mall.

Wear your mask at all times

Wear your mask like you wear your briefs! It should be on you at all times when you step out for your shopping spree. Masks have been mandated by health institutions as well as the government so you should be respectful of the same. Avoid removing your mask in public, especially when you're at a shopping mall. Since it is a closed space with air conditioning and has many people like you perusing through the stores, yanking your mask off wouldn't be advisable. Also, do not throw your mask if it's a disposable one. Instead cut the ear hoops of the mask and then dispose of it so that no other person can use it. Precautions are necessary and should be followed for yours as well as the safety of people around you.

Carry your bags if possible

Although it is not a big deal, it wouldn't be a bad idea to carry your shopping bags. As part of the safety rules at shopping malls, it is important that you carry your things and only take the ones that you have come to purchase. It is safer to carry your bags as the shops don't steam the bags in which they give you your products. Might as well play it safe and carry bags along with you when you're shopping during COVID-19 pandemic. Not everyone will be gung-ho about this, but you can never be too safe, right?

Opt for the escalator instead of the lift

Lifts are small and compact spaces where not many can enter. During a pandemic which has airborne qualities, it would be quite risky to go by them. To enhance their safety rules and protocols during COVID-19, shopping malls are also incorporating some of the rules pertaining to the prohibition of using the lift. If you do use the lift, not more than two or three people would be allowed in it. Again, it depends on how big the lift is and how many people it can accommodate. Unless you have some physical conditions, the mall authorities won't allow you to use the lift. They would encourage using the escalator instead as they can also monitor the social distance norms.

Don't step out if you're feeling under the weather

If you're feeling unwell, it is advised that you avoid stepping out of the house. A weak immune system becomes very vulnerable to contracting the virus. The last thing you want is to be falling sick, especially after venturing out. Hence, it is best to stay at home, get better, become healthier and then gallivant around the city. You can always visit the mall for shopping during COVID-19 as the virus might not leave us anytime soon.

Wear gloves

Here's a very interesting suggestion to follow as a safety rule during COVID-19. When you're visiting supermarkets or the vegetable store, carry a pair of hand gloves and use them before touching any of the perishable goods. You can always wash the food at home to be very certain of your safety. However, it would be safer if you use hand gloves before touching any of the food products. Further, you can also dispose of the hand gloves once you're done using them at the supermarket and sanitise your hands.

Use hand sanitiser as soon as you leave the store

Hand sanitisers, along with face masks, are your friends during the COVID-19 pandemic. You need to wear a mask at all times and carry a hand sanitiser too. Use the hand sanitiser every 15-20 minutes. A 60-90 per cent alcohol content in the hand sanitiser is considered to be ideal, especially during the pandemic. Of course, it might have its effects on the hand as the hands might get rough due to the harshness of the sanitiser. But health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic are very important. Besides, you can always go home and wear some hand creams to bring back the soft and supple skin texture.

Go for a bath once you reach home

Well, you have been taking so many precautions and following safety rules at the shopping malls amid a pandemic. Might as well take this last precaution too and save yourself from any risks of contracting the virus. As soon as you reach home, quickly head to the shower and put your clothes for the wash. Do not let the clothes stew and get done with washing them while you have your bath. Ensure that you are taking a proper bath with soap as they have a better chance at standing against any virus that might have stuck on to you.