A sign posted at Prince Albert's Gateway Mall. (submitted photo)

By Nigel Maxwell

COVID-19 response

Malls remain open, patrons encouraged to follow protocols

Mar 18, 2020 | 5:00 PM

With numerous facilities and businesses closing in Prince Albert including the library, pool and the Senior’s Advocacy Centre, residents may be flocking to the city’s two malls for relief.

Both the Gateway Mall and South Mall remain open with no plans announced to close.

Gateway Mall General Manager Sharon Faul said at this point, the mall has not seen an influx of people coming in.

“We are monitoring our capacity levels and ensuring we don’t have people lingering and we are trying to encourage proper hand sanitization,” she said.

Avison Young, the company which owns the mall, does have a pandemic preparedness plan, which has been provided to the businesses at the mall. Signs reminding people to wash their hands have been posted at all mall entrances as well as in the washroom. Faul explained the mall is also following guidelines provided by city hall and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

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“Our operations are running as per usual. We do have some tenants who have served us some notice they are having some different operating hours or having some temporary closures,” she said.

Foot Locker at the Gateway Mall is one of several businesses which have announced temporary closure. (submitted photo)

One of the tenants which has suspended operations temporarily is CJ’s, a popular play place for young children. Faul said the managers decided now was the best time for their annual “deep clean.”

South Hill Mall is owned and operated by the Strathallen group. Mall management declined to speak to paNOW but the company posted a statement on its website.

“The health and welfare of our employees, tenants and customers are foremost in our thoughts as we actively monitor the impact of COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement said.

The company also indicated a committee was established to implement proactive safety measures. One of those measures is the suspension of all mall marketing events until May 31, including Easter, Kids Clubs events and walking clubs.

“We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and follow the guidance of the World Health Organization and local government directives and provide updates as they become available,” the release said.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell