New SOP: Department stores to shut toy and other sections

Department stores are now required to shut several sections of their stores, according to new standard operating procedures released by the National Security Council today.

It stipulates that department stores are allowed to operate “except clothing, decorations, cosmetics, and children’s toys sections”.

The restriction is for states and territories under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan, as well as those under Phase 2.

The previous version of the SOP issued on July 9 allows department stores to operate without restrictions on what sections may or may not be opened.

Meanwhile, day-care centres are added to the list of childcare facilities that face additional restrictions on their operations.

The new SOP stipulates they are not allowed to operate except for children whose both parents or guardians are frontliners working in essential service sectors.

Previously, the restriction only applies to kindergartens, and child development centres for children aged four to six years old.

 

- Mkini