CAPALABA Central Shopping Centre management has briefed its retailers about compliance with social distancing rules ahead of the weekend as cafes and restaurants prepare to reopen for dine-in customers.
Centre manager Kristy Pascoe said many outlets had prepared special menus ahead of the weekend rush to manage restrictions on the number of people allowed to dine at one time.
The shopping centre's food court will remain closed until at least stage three but retailers will continue to provide take-away as they have done throughout the pandemic.
"Our Retailers take the health and well-being of their customers and staff seriously and I am confident in their ability to manage social distancing within their stores," Ms Pascoe said.
"Centre Management has liaised with each retailer in preparation for this Saturday to ensure compliance of the easing of restrictions."
Ms Pascoe said the majority of the centre's retailers were still open and trading, with the exception of places like nail salons and massage parlors which had been forced to close under government directives.
She said management had provided resources such as signage and floor decals to ensure social distancing rules were followed.
So far security has not had to forcibly remove anyone from the centre for failing to comply with instructions.
"Our customers have been extremely considerate of one another and the imposed restrictions with no unsavoury incidents to report," Ms Pascoe said.
"A few gentle reminders were required by our security team early on, which I believe was more related to confusion."
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Questions about the effectiveness of social distancing in major shopping centres have been asked after long lines of people were seen waiting to enter places like fashion stores when non-essential shopping was reintroduced and travel restrictions relaxed.
Ms Pascoe said Capalaba Central had been in regular contact with retailers and updated them with the latest information as soon as it came to hand.
Beauty services will also be allowed to reopen at major shopping centres this weekend.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said up to 10 clients would be allowed inside nail and beauty salons at one time.
"So beauty therapy services include waxing, laser treatments, manicures, pedicures, nail painting, eyelash extensions, facials, cosmetic injections can go ahead," she said.
"They must have a COVID-safe plan in place, they must operate by appointment only and they must keep a register of clients to assist in contact tracing."
Capalaba Central has also been distributing care packages to vulnerable members of the community and delivering free coffee to essential workers at places like hospitals and medical centres during the pandemic.
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