Windsor-Essex's biggest shopping centre plans to slowly, but surely, reopen some stores starting Friday.
Devonshire Mall announced on its official website Thursday afternoon that it will open to allow access to some essential businesses ,after the city of Windsor's emergency order expires at midnight Thursday.
The temporary access hours will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
This will not mean a total reopening of the giant complex, as the majority of businesses will still be closed, and mall walking is not allowed. For the businesses that will be open, social distancing is still expected.
"All formal or informal mall walking programs have been suspended," mall officials said in a statement. "We'd like to remind everyone that if you're out for essential business to practice physical distancing and reduce exposure to other people. Avoid close contact, within two metres, with people outside of your immediate families."
The businesses that will be open are as follows:
- Buffalo Wild Wings, for takeout and curbside orders only.
- Experimax, near Entrance #2, exterior access only with curbside pickup.
- GNC, near Entrance #5.
- Hurry Curry, in the food court, for takeout only.
- Mandarin, for takeout and curbside orders only.
- Metro, mall anchor via exterior access only.
- Mobilinq, near Entrance #2, curbside service only.
- Mucho Burrito, in the food court, for takeout only.
- Shoppers Drug Mart, exterior access only.
- Showcase, near Entrance #5.
Devonshire Mall and Tecumseh Mall were ordered closed at the end of the business day on March 21 by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens as part of a state of emergency declaration for the city. The closure was extended twice.
There has been no word from Tecumseh Mall on its plans to reopen. Blackburn News has reached out to management at Tecumseh Mall for confirmation.
Non-essential businesses will remain closed across Ontario as Premier Doug Ford extended emergency orders to at least Wednesday. On Thursday, however, Ford urged businesses to prepare for reopening as additional safety guidelines have been implemented. There is no specific timetable for reopening.
