Metro Manila malls temporarily shuttered in compliance with community quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — Several mall operators have announced the temporary closure of their establishments in Metro Manila during the community quarantine being enforced by the government to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Among the mall chains that announced the suspension of operations in the region beginning Monday are SM Supermalls, Ayala Malls, Star Malls, Vista Malls and Robinsons Malls.

Meanwhile, operations of AliMall, Gateway Mall and Farmer’s Plaza will also be temporarily closed starting Monday, Araneta City management said.

But the companies said their establishments offering basic services, including supermarkets, drugstores and banks, will remain open.

In a memorandum dated Sunday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ordered that mall operations in Metro Manila be temporarily limited to establishments offering basic necessities amid the growing concerns on the pandemic.

“With the declaration of general community quarantine, mall operations shall be limited to establishments offering basic necessities such as groceries and supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, health clinics, bookstores, hardware stores, food stalls (take out/delivery only),” the department said in a memorandum released to the media on Monday.

Aside from this order, businesses offering leisure and entertainment, which attracts crowds confined in a specific area are “prohibited from operating” during the metro-wide community quarantine, which took effect on Sunday and will end on April 14.

Lessors and owners of business spaces should waive the corresponding rental fees and charges of stores that were closed during the implementation of community quarantine, according to DTI.

COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 12 people in the country since the first death was recorded in February, with four deaths announced by the Department of Health on Sunday. A total of 140 individuals have been infected.