Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SHP)

Abu Dhabi, Mar 11: Amid the global outbreak of coronavirus, malls in Abu Dhabi are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of visitors. Thermal scanners are placed at entrances and disinfecting of trolleys are intensified.

Dalma Mall, which has over 450 stores and located opposite the Mohamed Bin Zayed City has taken numerous measures, following the guidelines of the local authorities.

"To tackle the current scenario, we have installed thermal scanners while working closely with the Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi. The frequency of cleaning has been beefed up and a special briefing given to the staff to intensify cleaning procedures with the use of an additional layer of antibacterial disinfectants," said Bhupinder Singh, general manager and CFO, Dalma Mall.

Over 150 hand sanitising units were also placed at key areas, focusing on potential contact surfaces like lifts, handrails, mall entrances, door handles, trolley bays, drop-off and pickup points, among others, he added.

At Mushrif Mall automatic hand sanitiser dispensers are installed. Aravind Ravi, general manager at the mall, said: "We are set to implement hand sanitising machines at most of the crowded areas. All 30 checkout units of Lulu Hypermarket will have such machines."

Mushrif Mall's washrooms and baby-feeding rooms are also sanitised regularly and regular disinfection of trolleys is being done as well. Ravi noted the situation was not alarming and no drop in the number of mall visitors was noted.

"We are receiving the same number of customers as in November and December of last year. There is no panic situation. People are just taking precautionary measures."