San Juan City malls to temporarily close due to COVID-19

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announced the temporary closure of all shopping malls in the city starting March 15, 2020, in response to the growing threat of COVID-19.

However, grocery stores, drugstores, banks, and restaurants with home deliveries will remain open to ensure access to essential goods and services.

The directive covers Greenhills Shopping Center, Promenade, Theater Mall, and Santolan Town Plaza, with closures effective until further notice to prioritize public safety.

This decision aligns with an agreement among Metro Manila mayors to close malls within their respective jurisdictions as part of measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Metro Manila mayors also agreed to implement an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, which requires individual city ordinances.

San Juan City is expected to release its ordinance for the curfew, following meetings of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and a special session of the City Council.

Masses in several churches within San Juan City have been canceled, though some services may be available online.

Residents are strongly advised to stay home, practice social distancing, and maintain proper hand hygiene.

As of Sunday noon, the Department of Health reported 111 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with eight deaths.