Large crowds flocked to Avenues Mall, Sharq Market and 360 mall, where shops reopened their doors after a total lockdown of three months. Authorities conducted tours of the premises to ensure people were adhering to health guidelines. Eager customers stood in large lines to enter high-end clothing and other stores after they were forced to forgo shopping.
Al-Kout Mall accepted shoppers amidst strict preventive measures, with the management installing thermal cameras and ensuring the number of shoppers does not exceed 30 percent. In addition, eating at restaurants and cafés inside the complex was forbidden and only by takeout.
Many commentors on the pictures circulating on social media bemoaned that people cared more about clothing than their own health, and hoped the large crowds wouldn’t lead to a further rise in coronavirus infection cases.
It also appears that the impact of the coronavirus on the economy and job market in Kuwait has not curtailed those with a love for shopping.
The Cabinet last week decided to open all commercial complexes, including Avenues, Sharq Market and 360 mall, as part of the second stage of the return to normalcy plan.
The Minister of Health Dr. Basil Al-Sabah outlined the health measures and requirements to be followed by workplaces, cafes and malls in the second stage.
As for commercial complexes, the decision prohibits all recreational activities to avoid masses gatherings, while parking services are suspended, as well smoking rooms and areas are closed. The closure of all changing rooms and the halt to all types of advertising samples such as cosmetics, perfumes, food products, and others.
For restaurants and cafes, the patrons should receive the order without sitting, and focus should be on electronic payment, while checking the temperature for workers and customers, and not allowing those with a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees to enter. Also encouraging customers to wait in their cars, and closing places designated for customers’ self-services (for example, a table providing napkins, sugar, sticks and ketchup) and preventing eating food and drinks inside the restaurant or café, and leaving the site immediately after receiving their order.
