Pooja Patel
To revive trade and boost the faltering world economy, governments across the world are now allowing their citizens to step out of their homes and some businesses have opened up as well.
But the way of conducting business has completely changed.
Shopping malls without airconditioning
Shopping complexes have opened in Lucknow from today (May 26) but without airconditioning. These shopping complexes will open only one-third of their shops, and social distancing will be sacrosanct. Even the age of people who can enter the malls or shopping complexes will be checked—entry to children below 10 years and people above 65 is not allowed.
Thermal scanners and sanitisers are placed at the entrance of the shopping complexes, and all staff members have to wear gloves and masks.
Entry coupons
Abroad, in Seoul, Chanel’s consumers queued up outside the store as early as 5 am, wearing face masks.
Entry coupons were handed out to them and only a handful of them was let inside the store at a time.
World’s third-largest economy, Japan, has opened up its economy in phases. Tokyo’s posh Ginza shopping district, saw sales staff members wearing plastic face shields. Customers are welcomed with a silent bow; no verbal greetings.
50 per cent occupancy in restaurants and bars
Two of the worst-hit cities in Europe, Madrid and Barcelona are now opening up their restaurants and bars. The Spanish government has eased the lockdown rules and the excited Spaniards are waiting to go to their beaches.
The government has allowed the restaurants and bars in these two cities to serve customers in the outdoor seating area but with 50 per cent occupancy.
PPE for aircrew
In India, different states have their own set of rules for air passengers. 
However, in most states, the arriving passengers with mild to severe COVID-19 symptoms are taken to the nearest hospital; while the asymptomatic passengers are asked to go home and quarantine themselves for two weeks.
The cabin crew members and the pilots are dressed in hazmat suits. As a precautionary measure, a few airlines have started giving their passengers safety face shields (fully transparent).
The pandemic has also changed airlines’ business class. Emirates, which offers luxurious onboard experiences has done away with few of their exclusive services.
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The two onboard showers for first-class passengers are now closed and the spacious business class bar and lounge on the upper deck of their plush A380 fleet have been shut, too.
Sanitation at car workshops
Carmakers like Ferrari, Mercedez-Benz and Audi have started work in their plants. Audi India has announced sanitation of its workshops and offices twice a day.
Read: Indian jewellers predict revenge-buying immediately after the lockdown
Read: “Post COVID, safety will supersede luxury in the aviation business,” says JetSetGo’s Kanika Tekriwal
