Malls adjust operating hours due to community quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — Major malls in Metro Manila will adjust their operating hours, closing early, in light of the community quarantine period that started today to prevent further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Mall chains Ayala Malls, Robinsons Malls, SM Supermalls and Vista Malls said they would cut down on their operating hours, opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m.

The new schedule for SM Supermalls and Vista Malls will be in effect today. Ayala Malls and Robinsons Malls’ new schedule took effect yesterday.

As of press time, there is still no order for a total closure of shopping malls in Metro Manila.

However, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in the event of a closure, supermarkets, hardware stores, drugstores, health clinics, banks and other establishments providing basic services inside the malls will remain open.

Fast food chains and restaurants inside the malls would be closed, said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez in a Viber message yesterday.

“(We) have talked to the SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and tenants and mall owners. So that everyone can reduce opex (operating expenses) and cut rentals,” clarified Lopez.

Amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the country, he said there has been a decline in foot traffic in malls.

Outside of malls, Lopez added that business establishments would have continued operations.

Asked about what will happen to workers, such as sales clerks, who will be affected by the mall closures, he said owners would be taking care of their workers.

“They can advance (their) 13th month (pay),” said Lopez.

Recognizing the impact on business operations, he said the government is considering extending emergency loans to affected enterprises.

Asked if the malls would be closed during the community quarantine, Tin Enriquez, consumer engagement marketing manager at Ayala Malls said, “We will follow as mandated by our LGUs (local government units).”