Written By: Henny Maherah
Phase Two: Safe Transition commenced on 19 June 2020. In Phase Two, most economic sectors will reopen. This includes the resumption of retail and F&B services in all shopping malls in Singapore. With the expected pent-up retail demand, how will shopping malls ensure that safe distancing measures are kept in place?
Shopping Malls Reopen in Phase Two: Safe Transition
Adopting Tech-Savvy Safety Devices
Since the circuit breaker was implemented, routine disinfection has been carried out more frequently by cleaning staff. However with Phase Two, the volume of shoppers might get too overwhelming for disinfection to be carried out at the same frequency.
As a pre-emptive countermeasure, UV disinfection robots have already been deployed by major retail groups in Singapore. These devices are equipped with surveillance cameras, built-in sensors, cutting-edge software, and an ultraviolet-C light module that utilises UV-C rays to eradicate viruses.
Tampines Mall and Bukit Panjang Plaza were first introduced to daily decontamination sessions carried out by the UV disinfection robots as they were identified as high traffic malls. Changi City Point, Waterway Point, and Northpoint City are also among the retail malls that have been identified for regular sanitisation.
More Focus on Automated Technology
In the past, malls relied on frequent disinfection by frontline staff to manage cleanliness in public spaces. However, this is a relatively unsustainable strategy as it exposes frontline staff to potential infection.
With these technological additions, dependence on manpower can be eased to ensure human traffic is kept to a minimum in public spaces. Through these measures, safe distancing and hygiene practices can be sustained in the long run without placing a strain on human resources.
Atrium@Orchard is in the midst of experimenting with automated escalator handrail disinfection. Ultra-UV devices have been installed in escalator systems that are pre-programmed to automatically disinfect handrails when in use.
A contactless lift activation system is also in place at Atrium@Orchard. Lifts are equipped with QR code registration so users can activate different floors without touching the lift buttons.
Even with these new measures in place, public health remains a collective effort that we are all a part of. Let’s do our best to maintain safe distancing and keep our loved ones and community safe from the coronavirus.
What other sectors in the economy are adopting technological additions? Learn how the property market is coping with safety measures too. The Ohmyhome App offers features such as virtual home tours for all your property needs. Download the app on the App Store or the Google Play Store now!
Source: The Business Times Singapore
