THE peak bodies representing shopping centre landlords and retailers have again come together, to jointly develop a protocol to prepare for reopening once covid-19 restrictions start to ease.
The Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA), National Retail Association (NRA), Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA) and Australian Retailers Association (ARA) have jointly developed the Retail Recovery Protocol.
The key principles align with the retail industry’s approach to date, which continues to be prioritising public health and safety to help prevent the spread of the virus.
SCCA CEO Angus Nardi said: “As more people return to shopping centres, we want to assure the community our industry is working hand-in-hand to ensure that strict public health guidelines are followed and that we provide a safe, healthy and secure environment.”
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said as most businesses prepare to reopen, this protocol provides the clarity and consistency that retailers are looking for at this time around best-practice.
The protocols include making alcohol-based hand sanitiser available at key locations; frequent cleaning and disinfecting of regularly used objects and hard surfaces; facilitating and encouraging social distancing and public gathering limits; daily check-ins with staff on their well-being, ensure staff and contractors are properly trained and have access to relevant information and personal protective equipment (PPE).
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said as more retail stores start to reopen, which will see a surge in customer demand, the community should have confidence their health and safety is a priority for retailers including how they purchase goods and interact with staff.
