Singapore retailers step up safety measures with glass partitions, sanitiser and gloves ahead of Friday reopening

The city state is set to enter phase two of its economic reopening after an eight-week ‘circuit breaker’ to contain the spread of Covid-19

Not all retailers are in a hurry to reopen their doors, however, with some opting to take more time to plan and reconfigure their stores

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People carrying takeaway food exit the Funan shopping centre in Singapore on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

Published: 11:44am, 17 Jun 2020Updated: 11:44am, 17 Jun 2020

Retailers in Singapore are taking precautionary measures up a notch as they prepare to welcome customers into their stores for the first time in more than two months on Friday.

Some are installing glass partitions around cashier counters and planning to isolate products for up to 24 hours after customers try them on. Others will provide patrons testing out shoes and beds with disposable socks and mattress linings, and even gloves on request.

But not all retailers are in a hurry to reopen their doors. Some are opting to take more time to plan and reconfigure their spaces to comply with government rules on safe reopening.

The authorities announced on Monday that the country will enter phase two of its economic reopening after an eight-week “circuit breaker” to contain the spread of Covid-19. Phase one started on June 2, with limited easing of the restrictions.

People pictured on an escalator in front of closed stores inside the Funan shopping centre in Singapore on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

Virtually the entire economy will stir back to life on Friday, with most retail stores allowed to resume business.

But retailers must follow a set of guidelines, including ensuring patrons stay one metre away from one another, and regularly disinfecting products and commonly touched areas. All stores must also roll out a visitor-management system called SafeEntry and monitor the temperatures of patrons at entrances.