TWO STORES at the Diamond Pavilion Mall in Kimberley were closed on Wednesday following two reported cases of Covid-19.
The general manager of the mall, Amanda Barra, said the stores were closed to curb possible infections.
“We can confirm that two stores closed on July 15, 2020 as required when a positive case is reported. Both stores will open shortly after having complied with all the sanitisation and decontamination protocols,” said Barra.
“It is every employer’s responsibility to screen their staff daily before a shift and all of the Diamond Pavilion tenants have committed to the ongoing and continued adherence to these regulations. We also regularly communicate with our tenants regarding tips and updates on how to keep themselves and their work environment safe.”
Barra added that the mall management engaged regularly with its tenants regarding the new Covid-19 regulations and laws.
“Diamond Pavilion has a full on-site management team and our door is always open to all our tenants and, in fact, we engage regularly and vigorously with our tenants on a daily basis.
“If any tenant expresses unhappiness about not being informed as and when a case is reported to centre management, it must be remembered that in such a case, our priority is to immediately undertake and implement the necessary procedures and to assist the tenant in need. It is also to be remembered that our government has been very clear that victimisation of Covid-19 positive persons will not be tolerated, and as such we do not and will not share specific details.
“It also needs to be remembered that there is a very clear distinction between ‘close’ and ‘casual’ contacts, with very different responses to each.
“If a tenant reports a case to us, we immediately advise the authorities and assist the tenant through the required procedures. We also immediately commence with what is required of us, being a private property to which the public has access.”
Barra reiterated that the mall adhered to all Covid-19 regulations.
“We are committed to adherence to all specific protocols laid out by the government and we continue to maintain strict disinfection and sanitising protocols. We can confirm that the Department of Health is kept abreast of all relevant cases. Customers shopping in a store are in the main ‘casual contacts’. Please refer to the Department of Health for more information regarding this classification and the actions required in each separate kind of contact.
“If a shopper has adhered strictly to the social distancing regulations, as laid down by government, by wearing a mask at all times in public, not visiting friends, and washing their hands regularly, then unless they have spent a prolonged period in the company of a person who has subsequently found to be Covid-19 positive, the mere act of shopping does not pose a threat to his or her safety.
“The mall has implemented very strict daily protocols in excess of what is prescribed by government to prevent the spread of the virus and, as such, if shoppers play their part then shopping can remain a safe outing.”
She urged customers to continue to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations.
“We would also like to remind customers that the wearing of a mask remains compulsory and any person who fails to wear a mask in public is committing a crime. To this end we ask all shoppers to adhere to any direction given to them by our security officers on site in this regard.
“Due to our strict compliance with the government protocols regarding sanitising and social distancing, Diamond Pavilion and its stores remain open to serve the public,” concluded Barra.
