In a press briefing today, May 21, SM Supermalls announced that though only half of their workforce is allowed to report to their respective stations, the remaining half will continue to receive their salary amid quarantine.
“Kahit ganyan naman ‘yung ating sitwasyon ay nangako naman ang SM Supermalls na patuloy nilang matatanggap ang buo nilang mga sweldo,” said Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls senior vice president for operations.
On Mar. 16, SM Supermalls temporarily closed their establishments except for essential stores. “Lahat apektado rito. Bukod sa SM Supermalls, ‘yung aming mga over 25,000 na tenants ay heavily affected,” said Mateo.
As a form of assistance to tenants hit by such restrictions, SM has since waived rental fees during quarantine.
But because of the shift of some areas to modified enhanced community quarantine and general community quarantine, the mall chain has reopened a number of its branches to the public.
With this, more businesses were also allowed to reopen including more establishments in malls.
The mall franchise has since implemented additional cautionary measures against COVID-19. These measures include: a no face mask, no entry policy, thermal cameras, directions for one-way customer traffic, the provision of disinfectants in key areas and elevators operating at 50 percent capacity.
Header photo courtesy of SM Supermalls
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Writer: JOY THERESE GOMEZ
