Metro Manila malls close amid coronavirus lockdown

Metro Manila malls will temporarily close starting Monday, March 16 due to the government's directive for a month-long 'community quarantine' to prevent coronavirus spread.

Ayala Land announced it would close all its 16 Metro Manila malls until further notice.

Other mall operators like SM Supermalls, Robinsons Malls, and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls adjusted their operating hours to 11 am to 7 pm daily starting Sunday, March 14.

Metro Manila mayors urged local legislative councils to pass ordinances mandating the closure of malls except for basic services such as groceries, drug stores, health clinics, banks, and restaurants with home deliveries.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said employers should make arrangements regarding employee salaries during the quarantine period.