Columbia’s largest mall closing due to coronavirus
Columbiana Centre mall, the largest shopping center in the Columbia area, is closing due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The mall will close indefinitely beginning Tuesday, according to a representative of Brookfield Properties, which manages the mall. The mall will close at 7 p.m. Monday.
Some stores and restaurants with exterior-facing doors will be allowed to remain open.
“After many thoughtful discussions, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close our shopping centers,” Brookfield Properties said in a statement. “While there will not be access to the common areas of the properties, we understand the importance of tenants with essential resources. For that reason, tenants with exterior-facing entrances, including restaurants, that are considered essential retail will still be available to you.”
Columbiana Centre, in the normally busy Harbison Boulevard retail corridor, has nearly 100 restaurant and retail tenants. A number of stores in the mall, including the anchor Belk department store, already had closed due to the rapid spread of COVID-19.
On Monday afternoon, South Carolina officials announced nearly 300 cases of the virus had been confirmed in the state, and S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster issued a ban on gatherings of more than three people outside of homes and businesses.
“Our greatest privilege is serving as focal points for communities nationwide,” Brookfield Properties said in its statement. “It is our hope that we all take this time and focus on patience and compassion as we navigate this new normal together. Please visit Columbiana Centre’s website for the most up-to-date information. We appreciate your understanding and support.”
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 5:07 PM.