In anticipation of the flood of shoppers this weekend before York Region enters lockdown on Monday, Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket is extending its hours to ensure it adheres to capacity limits required by COVID-19 orders.
Upper Canada, as well as Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, which will help shoppers avoid visiting between the peak hours of 1 to 4 p.m., according to a news release.
Shoppers are advised to check mall websites for individual store hours and capacity levels.
Shoppers can also use the live chat and text support and online search and mapping tools to streamline visits. Test guest services at Upper Canada at 905-218-1630 and Hillcrest at 226-210-1015.
Some mall retailers are continuing to offer curbside and storefront pickup, while some food court and restaurants are offering take-out and, in many cases, delivery.
York Region's COVID-19 enforcement task force officers will be visiting malls, big box and retail stores, restaurants, and food premises to ensure public health measures are being followed this weekend.
Here are some tips from York Region Public Health for shopping safely this weekend:
- Before going out make sure what you’re looking for cannot be ordered online from a local business
- If you must go into a store, try and time your trip for off-peak hours where it will be easier to maintain physical distancing with others
- Inquire about curbside pick-up and other safety shopping measures the store has in place
- Plan and know what you need from each store to limit the amount of time you spend there
- Follow the rules set out by the store and please be patient if waiting in line due to occupancy limits
- Follow directional arrows and store signs set out by staff as these are in place for everyone’s safety
- A face mask or covering is required while in public spaces, including retail stores
- Know the new regulations required of malls and retailers
