BACOLOD CITY –– Three major malls in Bacolod City will temporarily shut down as part of the precautionary measures against the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Establishments serving essential needs such as supermarkets, drug stores, and banks, however, will remain open.
City Mayor Evelio Leonardia earlier appealed to mall owners to consider closing their doors as soon as possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
SM City Bacolod heeded the request and announced its closure starting March 19 until further notice. Establishments offering necessities and some restaurants will remain open.
SM Supermalls had waived rentals to all tenants nationwide from March 16 to April 14.
“This is to offer tenants some relief during this trying time so that they can, in turn, lend more assistance to their employees during the period of community quarantine,” it said.
Ayala Malls Capitol Central, on the other hand, will close starting tomorrow, February 20, in the interest of public health and safety.
However, it is keeping key establishments open to continue serving essential needs.
Robinsons Place Bacolod will also close tomorrow, February 20 in support of the enhanced community quarantine. Like the two other malls, it is keeping stores selling basic commodities open.