By James A. Loyola Integrated developer Vista Land & Lifescapes announced that all its 22 malls are now open following the recent developments regarding area classifications. However, pursuant to the new IATF community quarantine guidelines, mall hours will be shortened, services and shops will be limited, and more rigorous security and safety protocols will be implemented. “Vista Mall’s priority is to continue serving the essential needs of its communities while protecting everyone from the potential spread of the virus,” the firm said. It added that, “Thus, the enforcement of these protocols is necessary to ensure the health and safety of all customers, partners, and personnel of Vista Mall.” Prior to entry, everyone is required to undergo the following procedures: Temperature scanning (those who register a temperature of 37.5’ or higher will be denied entry), checking of Valid ID (only those who are 21-59 years old are allowed entry), hand & foot sanitation (through alcohol application and foot bath). In addition, whenever inside Vista Mall, everyone must wear face mask at all times and maintain strict physical distancing of at least 2 meters apart. With the knowledge that the virus also spreads through contact, sanitation and security procedures are observed across all Vista Malls. These include regular disinfection of common areas; UV sterilization of escalator handrails; disinfection of elevator buttons, ATM machines, and other high contact areas every 30 minutes; and availability of alcohol and hand sanitizer dispensers at mall entrances and common areas. Measures implemented also include passenger capping at elevators (floor stickers will be installed to help guide customers); “3-Step Rule” for escalators (customers should be 3 steps apart when using the escalator); hourly sanitation of comfort rooms, mall clinic, and breastfeeding & pumping station (including door handles, locks, faucet, and other high-contact areas); provision of trash bins for face mask and glove disposal; and separate doors for entry and exit. Guided by the community quarantine rules set by IATF and LGUs, Vista Cinemas, play areas, and rest areas remain closed to the public during this time. Air-conditioning is regulated to 26 centigrade until further notice. Free mall Wi-Fi is also disabled for the time being. All restaurants and dining establishments can only serve orders that are for take-out and delivery and monitored for strict compliance of physical distancing rules among its workers, customers, and couriers. Cashless payment methods are highly encouraged to help limit contact.