Toronto's biggest shopping malls to reduce hours amid coronavirus pandemic

The largest shopping malls in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have cut back their hours significantly in response to growing health concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, and the falling volume of shoppers due to the practice of social distancing.

On Saturday, Cadillac Fairview (CF) said that the hours for multiple shopping malls will be reduced from 11 am to 7 pm, seven days a week, beginning March 16.

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The cutback will remain in place for the next two weeks and then the commercial landlord will re-assess the situation.

The shopping malls included are, Fairview Mall, Markville, Sherway Gardens, Shops at Don Mills, and Toronto Eaton Centre.

“At Cadillac Fairview our first priority is to ensure the safety and security of our employees, tenants/their employees, and guests across our portfolio of shopping centres and office properties,” the statement from CF read.

“Prior to this declaration we had activated our pandemic plans, including the establishment of a Steering Committee, which meets daily to coordinate efforts across our portfolio.”

CF also noted that access to the property will remain unchanged, as there are some services and tenants that may want to operate as per their usual business hours.

“We will continue to support them in their approach,” CF said.

Some corporate businesses have already chosen to change their hours. For example, Apple Store locations at all of the mall properties will be closed, following the company’s decision to shutter all of its brick-and-mortar retail locations outside of China until at least March 27.

CF announced reduced hours for various locations across Canada in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba and New Brunswick.

With coronavirus on the rise, Toronto Public Health is reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.