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Retail -

Most major retailers are providing hand sanitizer and require staff to wear masks. Some are taking it further and are closing their changing rooms. John Lewis in the UK are taking this measure and have extended their returns policy so customers can try on clothes at home.

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Retail -

In the US, Macy's have stated that those who wish to try on jewelry or watches will need to sanitize their hands before doing so. Items that are left behind in changing rooms will be kept off the shop floor for 24 hours. Fingers crossed you don't see someone walking off with the last dress in your size!

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Retail -

Staff at beauty counters will now have to test products on "face charts" instead of directly on customers' faces.

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Gyms -

Most gyms and fitness studios are either closed or operating at a low capacity. For those who want to maintain their fitness, many gyms are offering live-streamed fitness classes that are easy to follow from home.

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Gyms -

The gyms that are re-opening are taking extra precautions to keep their customers safe. See here a gym that has placed shields around each treadmill to keep gym-goers separated.

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Gyms -

This gym even has a "sanitizing box." It sprays a mist of water and disinfectant chemicals.

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WHO - These sanitization chambers are being used in parts of South America, Asia, and Russia, but the World Health Organization claims they are not effective and may even be dangerous.

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Real estate -

The real estate industry continued to operate throughout the crisis using virtual house tours. The practice is so convenient that many believe it will continue after the pandemic.

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Real estate - The real estate market hasn't been greatly affected by the pandemic, although rent prices have dropped by up to 15% in some cities as landlords were desperate to fill their vacancies in a time when few people wanted to move. It's a good time to haggle!

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Restaurants -

Hong Kong has been an example to the world for its new dining practices. Restaurants of all kinds are taking extreme measures to keep diners safe.

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Restaurants -

Restaurant staff and diners must take their temperatures before entering, and masks are mandatory unless a person is eating or drinking.

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Restaurants -

The tables must be kept a safe distance from each other or have a partition between them.

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Restaurants -

Restaurants around the world are removing their physical menus and providing customers with the information to view the menu online on their own phones.

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Restaurants -

In Australia, some restaurant owners took somewhat bizarre measures to create a 'normal' dining experience! Safety restrictions limit the number of guests allowed to enter the restaurant, leaving many empty tables.

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Restaurants -

Owners have put cardboard cutouts at the empty tables to make it feel like the restaurant is busy, and some are even playing pre-recorded background noise of chatter and clinking glasses.

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Ride-hailing services - Uber and other ride-hailing businesses were hit hard by the pandemic. Uber saw a drop in use of 80% during the worst month, while competitor Lyft was down 75%.

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They have been quick to adapt to ensure their drivers and customers feel safe. They've made masks mandatory in some countries, and even use facial scanning to ensure drivers are complying.

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Ride-hailing services -

Many apps are now offering the option to choose a car that has some kind of barrier between the front and back seats. 

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Hotels -

Hotels are making several changes including the end of the beloved breakfast buffet. There are also new apps that guests can use to access hotel information, hotel restaurant menus, and communicate with staff safely.

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Hotels -

Room cleaning will now need to be meticulous. Unnecessary decorative items are being removed from rooms and hotels aim to allow at least 24 hours before the next guests arrive.

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Hotels - Hotels are starting to use a disinfectant fog as the final cleaning step. This method is only effective if all the surfaces have also been cleaned.

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Hostels - Hostels will have an even harder time than hotels when it comes to meeting safety requirements. The Destination Hostels chain have announced their plan.

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Hostels -

They will also bid farewell to the buffet breakfast, instead offering guests a 'grab & go' pack. Use of the communal kitchen facilities will be limited so staff can keep on top of the cleaning.

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Hostels -

They'll still be offering dorm rooms, but claim that there will be 2 m (6.5 ft) between each bed. They also plan to allow six hours in between guests so the room can be aired out.

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Air travel -

All major airports and airlines are requiring passengers to wear masks. United Airlines have confirmed that passengers who refuse to wear masks onboard will be banned.

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Air travel -

The distancing policy varies depending on the airline. Some are blocking the middle seat for bookings, while others are simply trying to keep the number of passengers at around 70% capacity.

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Air travel -

Strong disinfectant sprays and mist will be used in between flights. Fans will circulate the air through hospital grade HEPA filters during the flight. They should remove 99% of bacteria and viruses.

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Air travel -

Boarding and deplaning are considered the most dangerous processes during the journey, as passengers are often crowded together in tunnels for up to an hour.

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Air travel -

Passengers may now be asked to board in waves, queuing outside on the tarmac rather than in tunnels. As seen here, temperature scans may also be required before boarding.

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See also -

Travel is one of the most dangerous activities these days, but also the most desired after months in lockdown. For a more in depth look at how travel will work from now on, follow this link.

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