Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: A day after getting clearance in Unlock 3, shopping malls in Bhubaneswar reopened as per the revised guidelines on Sunday.

As per provision, there will be a nodal officer for each mall and the concerned officials will have to submit a daily report to Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Anshuman Rath, South East Zonal Deputy Commissioner (ZDC) of BMC informed that the nodal officers will be appointed by mall officials. The nodal officers will submit details of customers and commercial establishments.

“If people do not have any problem, they can give their personal details but it is not mandatory. We also urge customers to maintain social distancing while shopping in the malls,” said Rath.
Rath further informed that clear instructions have been issued to malls to create special waiting area for pregnant and elderly people.

Even though the malls have been granted permission to reopen, other associated units including food courts, eatery outlets, gaming zones, cinema halls inside the mall premises will remain closed.

Any kind of promotional activity within the malls shall also not be allowed as per the revised SOP issued by BMC yesterday.

Here are the SOP issued by BMC for malls:

Social distancing of at least 6 feet by customers, staff

No entry without the use of masks for staff, customers

Ensuring hand hygiene, cough etiquette

Reporting of illness by staff to mall authorities

Installation of -Arogya Setu and Sachetak App- shall be advised to all staffs and customers/visitors

Mandatory thermal screening and sanitizer dispenser for all

Persons with fever and visible flu symptom not to be allowed

Installation of posters, AV media for the display of COVID-19 prevention measures

Separate arrangement for entry and exit for customers/visitors and supply of goods/articles inside the mall

Seating arrangement if available inside and outside the mall shall be done in such a way that social distancing is maintained

Number of person inside elevators may be restricted so as to maintain social distancing norms

AC Temperature setting maintained in the range of 24-30 degrees Celsius Intake of fresh air and cross-ventilation should be adequate.

Any kind of gatherings/congregations by customers/visitors or even for staffs are strictly prohibited

Effective and frequent sanitation within the premises shall be done within the premises

Most touched surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons. handrails. benches. washroom fixtures to be disinfected with 1% sodium hypochlorite as often as possible

Provision for proper disposal of used masks/face covers/gloves leftover by customers/visitors and staff.

Immediate information about any suspected case to the BMC
Spitting strictly prohibited

Owners need to designate one responsible officer as COVID Compliant Officer. They will also be responsible for overall compliance of all COVID-19 related protocols

(Edited By Pradeep Singh)

Also Read:

Unlock 3: Shop Opening & Night Curfew Timings Revised In Ganjam

Unlock 3: All Eyes On Odisha Government’s New Guidelines

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