Yorkdale Mall Looks As Busy As Ever This Weekend Despite Ontario's Shutdown (VIDEO)

Malls remain open at 25% capacity per Ontario's shutdown rules.
Staff Writer

Saturday, April 3, marked the first day of Ontario's shutdown, but it doesn't seem like anyone told the shoppers at Yorkdale Mall.

In a viral video posted to Twitter on Saturday night, the shopping centre can be seen swarming with visitors seemingly not following physical distancing rules.

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Despite the video caption, non-essential retailers and shopping malls are allowed to stay open during the Ontario shutdown — which lasts for four weeks — but only at 25 percent capacity and with physical distancing measures.

In an email to Narcity, a spokesperson for Yorkdale Mall said that the shopping centre works closely with government and public health authorities to ensure that all operating guidelines and restrictions are closely followed.

"Yorkdale has live capacity meters on its site to help shoppers plan their visits and know what to expect when they arrive. There are designated entrances and exits to manage the number of patrons on the property. Capacity is monitored vigilantly to comply with restrictions and yesterday’s capacity was below guidelines at all times," the statement said.

  • Cormac O'Brien was an Associate Editor at Narcity Canada, covering all things exciting and trending about Canada. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Journalism from the University of Victoria, where he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the campus newspaper and was awarded the BCYNA Community News Scholarship for his writing. He was also the producer and co-host of Now On Narcity, Narcity's flagship podcast.

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