BACOLOD CITY - It seems not even "swine flu" could get in the way of fun for Bacolod mall-goers.

Reports said that the volume of people flocking to malls in Bacolod City has not dwindled despite numerous health advisories on social distancing amid the influenza A(H1N1) outbreak. Customers were still seen shopping or hanging out with friends and family at the air-conditioned malls in the city.

Joseph Sian, Group Property Manager of Robinson's Place in Bacolod said that, although the mall had already been implementing sanitary practices, the establishment has stepped up its efforts.

Aside from alcohol dispensers placed at mall entrances, restrooms are equipped with sensor-activated sanitary equipment. Even the air fresheners inside the comfort rooms automatically spray disinfectant every two minutes.

SM City Bacolod, meanwhile, have reportedly installed footbaths in every mall entrance aside from providing alcohol and distributing informative leaflets about the A(H1N1) virus. At 1 p.m. every day, the mall temporarily closes its restrooms for 15 minutes to allow utility crew to sanitize the facilities.

The escalators are also temporarily shut down for one day so that the rubber handles and other machine parts could be sanitized.

Julia Javellana, SM City Bacolod Assistant Mall Manager, said that they are taking the "swine flu" concern seriously.

Mask sales

However, while the disease outbreak has not disrupted mall-going patterns, it has also sparked a massive demand for protection against "swine flu."

Local pharmacies in the Negros region reported an increase in sales of surgical masks, which many believe help in protecting the nose and mouth from inhaling cough or sneeze droplets from those who might carry the A(H1N1) virus.

Bernie Osorio of Botica Nelia in Bago City said surgical mask sales at their store has almost doubled. "We used to sell 70 masks on the average per day. The past week up until now, sales of masks have risen to 150 pieces per day," he said.

Osorio added that sales of Vitamin C pills and alcohol have also been increasing significantly, though not as much as surgical masks. The same is reportedly true for pharmacies in Bacolod City.

According to the Department of Health Wednesday, the Philippines has 311 total cases of A(H1N1) infections nationwide, 94 of whom have already recovered.

The public was advised to observe personal hygiene measures like hand washing and covering the nose and mouth when coughing. Those experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay at home for at least a week and take lots of rest and fluids.

Local health department officials strongly encouraged those working at hospitals and those with cough, fever, runny nose, and sore throat to wear protective surgical masks. The general public, meanwhile, need not wear masks at this time. With a report from Barbara Mijares, ABS-CBN Negros.