Combating coronavirus: Sharjah Central Souq reopens with strict health measures

The Sharjah Municipality announced the resumption of commercial activities in Sharjah Central Souq from Tuesday, My 12. It has spelt out strict preventive measures and health requirements for the shops to follow.
Thabet Al Tarifi, director-general of the municipality, said the civic body has taken all necessary steps to reopen the market in accordance with a systematic plan. "It allows stores to resume operating after implementing all the procedures and conditions laid down by the municipality to contain the spread of Covid-19."
He added that the central souq will follow a set of protocols which includes placing marks on the floor in the corridors and in front of the shops to maintain social distancing and keeping sufficient safe space between shoppers.
The municipality has made temperature testing devices mandatory at all the entrance doors to check the shoppers' temperature, and provide sterilisation materials to them.
Khalid bin Falah Al Suwaidi, assistant director-general of the customer service sector, pointed out that the municipality has increased security guards and inspectors inside the market to ensure adherence to the preventive measures. Daily inspections will be conducted, in cooperation with Sharjah Economic and Development Department (SEDD), to ensure full compliance of the requirements by the shops, he added.
He said awareness posters were distributed urging shoppers and workers to follow the necessary health steps and procedures. "Pamphlets were also handed out that stressed the importance of wearing masks and gloves, committing to a distance of not less than two meters, and using a credit card to pay instead of cash."
He advised shoppers to bring shopping bags from home, and refrain from trying clothes, cosmetics or any other stuff, and avoid replacing the goods after purchasing them.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com