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It’s been difficult getting used to the new normal of wearing masks and using sanitizer sprays outside our homes ever since the pandemic hit. While earlier, visiting a mall or market was considered to be an exciting experience, today we’re highly cautious about such sojourns. From fitting rooms to restaurants, there is a possibility of coming into contact with viruses and germs anywhere. Our anxiety hits the roof when we have kids coming out with us. We can’t always keep a tight check on the surfaces they touch and it’s difficult to make them wash their hands after every suspicious contact. Also, we’ve realized that social distancing is not the only protocol that should be followed when visiting a mall or a market, here are a few more tips that can help:
1. Avoid Peak Hours for Your Visit
From what we’ve seen, most malls and markets are seemingly less crowded these days, but even then, it is a good idea to plan your visit on weekdays and during non-peak hours. This will automatically make social distancing easier for you and you’ll have a safer overall experience visiting the mall or market.
2. Wear a Mask
Starting with the basics, wearing a mask in a public place is the best way to ensure not just your safety, but also the safety of those around you. With masks these days coming in a variety of colours, patterns and designs, there are a lot of options for you to choose from. The only criterion is that they should cover the mouth and nose. In other words, they need to be well-fitting to provide adequate protection, whether you’re changing clothes in the fitting room, using the toilet and so on.
3. Avoid Store Hopping
You can actually make visiting a mall or market an extremely planned activity undertaken with extra precaution. The last few times we visited the mall, we cut down on any extra travelling around and went straight into the stores from where we needed to shop or the place where we wanted to eat. So, what we recommend is making a checklist of things to do before heading out. This will help in limiting contact with multiple surfaces.
4. Disinfect Your Shopping Cart
A shopping cart or basket is one of the most commonly touched objects in a mall. But, you cannot always avoid using one, especially when you’re shopping for groceries. We’ve experienced the same problem during our visits to the mall and were happy to find a brilliant and handy solution in the form of Nature Protect’s Surface Disinfectant Spray. This disinfectant spray is perfect for maintaining hygiene anytime, anywhere. Like us, you can use it to disinfect the handle of a cart or basket in a store. It is a naturally derived and powerful disinfectant that has antifungal and antibacterial ingredients like Neem, Aloe Vera and Tulsi. This disinfectant spray also has over 60% alcohol content, which we’ve read on CDC’s website is enough to kill viruses and germs. The disinfectant spray is suitable for most surfaces, including soiled and sticky handles, door knobs and so on. You simply need to read the instructions on the pack to use this super convenient product.
5. Avoid Using Dressing Rooms
Though most stores have started allowing the use of fitting rooms for trying clothes, we recommend avoiding them since they’re used by multiple people, who could be potential carriers of viruses and germs. When you absolutely have to use it, we’d recommend using Nature Protect’s Surface Disinfectant Spray to disinfect the door handles, hangers, cloth pegs, etc. inside. We’ve also noticed that it leaves behind a nice and fresh fragrance after use!
6. Food Courts Can Wait
While chilling with your friends and family at a food court in a mall was common before, it is best avoided right now. Instead, opt for takeaway parcels, and if you must eat at the food court, don’t forget to disinfect the chairs and tables you come into contact with. Also, wash/disinfect your hands thoroughly before you bite in!
7. Use Escalators Instead of Elevators
We’ve experienced that closed, confined spaces like lifts are a hindrance to social distancing. So when you’re in a mall, the best option would be to use the stairs or escalators where the chances of running into a crowd are minimal. When that isn’t possible and you have to take the lift, remember to not touch the buttons or rails without disinfecting their surface with a disinfectant spray like Nature Protect’s Surface Disinfectant Spray.
As far as safety in markets and malls is concerned, it is necessary to go above and beyond the basic precautions. A little planning and extra care will ensure a pleasant outing for all!
