Anna Maria Richards
After months of being closed down, malls are finally opening up. However, the risk of the pandemic is still looming over us and you need to take some precautions when visiting malls.
Here are some tips to safely visit a mall during the pandemic:
1. Wear a Mask
The most important thing that you need to keep in mind when visiting any public place is to wear a mask. Health experts, globally have been constantly stressing the importance of masks in preventing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
When you are visiting a mall, it is imperative that you follow this guideline in order to stay safe. There are a lot of different kinds of masks available out there but choose the one that is recommended by experts.
There are also a lot of designers who are making colorful masks that people can wear to look fashionable while also staying safe.
2. Visit the Mall During Off Hours
Going into crowded spaces will only increase your chances of falling ill by catching the virus. All malls are generally crowded spots because scores of people come in for different reasons.
It is important that you visit the mall at a time when there are not many people so as to ensure maximum safety. Your best bet will be to go during off-hours like early morning or the middle of the afternoon.
However, the time depends from place to place so make sure that you go in at a time where the mall near you is not very crowded and you can easily follow social distances.
3. Carry a Sanitizer
It is essential that you carry a sanitizer with you wherever you go. To avoid contracting the disease, experts have been constantly advocating that people sanitize their hands at regular intervals.
Sanitization becomes especially important when you are in a public place like malls because of how many people have been there throughout the day.
Carry a small bottle of sanitizer in your purse or pocket and make sure that you use it after touching anything. You can also carry a small surface sanitizer that you can use on chairs or benches before you sit on them.
4. Wipe Down Your Shopping Cart
When you are going to the mall, you will most likely be using a shopping cart to carry the different items that you want to purchase. Throughout the day, a lot of people must have used the same cart. If you don’t sanitize it, you might end up getting infected.
Most malls are vigilant enough to sanitize these carts several times a day to prevent transmission but you still need to take personal precautions. You can carry a pack of alcohol wipes with you and wipe the cart before using them or spray them with a surface disinfectant.
Another great idea would be to wear, use and throw gloves when dealing with carts.
5. Avoid Visiting Multiple Stores
It is only natural to want to check out the various brands and stores that are located inside malls. However, because of the times we are living in, you should avoid going into multiple stores as it will increase your contact points.
This can lead to an increased chance of getting infected. Try to visit only those stores from where you wish to buy something.
6. Avoid Taking the Elevators
Social distancing is one of the best ways to avoid contracting the deadly pandemic virus. This means that you should try your best to stay away from enclosed spaces like elevators. Sure, they are much more comfortable but they can put your life at risk.
You never know how many people have used the elevator before you and you might be in there with several others. You must take the escalators or the stairs when visiting the mall.
7. Take Precautions After Getting Home
While it is important to take all of the above precautions when you are in the mall, it doesn’t end there. Once you get home, you need to place all of the items that you have brought and disinfect them with a surface disinfectant. Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 30 seconds.
You need to immediately keep the clothes you were wearing aside for getting washed. It is a good idea to take a bath in order to ensure that your body is fully clean and any germs that you might have carried from the mall are gone.
Places like the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre are now open to visitors and by following all the tips mentioned above, you can safely visit them.
