THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, March 20, 2020 Page 5 The COVID 19 Challenge Square One Mall closes to help contain virus By Mark E. Vogler C rystal Wu says she knew it wasn’t a good sign on Tuesday when she came to work at Square One Mall and noticed all the tables and chairs in the second fl oor food court were gone. “People prefer to sit down and eat their sandwich,” said Wu, 34, of Quincy, who has worked the counter for more than three years at Charleys Philly Steaks. “Maybe the mall will close. People may eventually close it because there’s no business and everyone is worried about the virus,” she said. Wu was right in her outlook on the uncertain future of her job and the mall. On Wednesday – just a day after the food court businesses were allowed to serve only takeout food OUT OF BUSINESS: With Wednesday’s decision by Simon Property Group to close the Square One Mall on Route 1 in Saugus, food court business operators, like Kobe Jiiang and his wife Crystal Wu, are out of work – at least until March 29. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) which couldn’t be eaten in the mall by customers – Simon Property Group, a major U.S shopping mall owner, decided to close Square One and all of its malls at least until March 29. “After extensive discussions with federal, state and local offi cials and in recognition of the need to address the spread of COVID-19, we will be temporarily closed,” Simon said in a brief statement on its website. “This measure will take eff ect from 7 p.m. local time today and will end on March 29. The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees are of paramount importance and we are taking this step to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.” Wu, whose husband – Kobe Jiiang, 41 – who manages the sandwich business, said she understood the precautions which need to be taken to protect mall customers and employees from the contagious COVID-19. “Being healthy is the first thing people want,” she said. dine drink gather “I’m worried about the safety of the employees. If the mall closes, we lose our jobs, but I think it’s the right thing to do. They need to do something strong to control the virus,” she said. It was also apparent on Tuesday morning that it would not be a good fi nancial decision to keep the food court businesses open – not when there were more mall walkers and people hanging out than customers. “Yesterday [Monday] there were not that many people,” Wu said. “Today there were a lot of people. But the business is worse than yesterday. The people who come to the Food Court come just to hang out and not buy … the only place to go now is the mall.” A group of 25 or more people congregating at the mall is prohibited under the COVID-19 measures issued last week by Governor Charlie Baker. enjo y NO PLACE TO EAT: A COVID-19-fi ghting measure issued last week by Gov. Charlie Baker prohibits gatherings of 25 or more people and doesn’t allow the consumption of food in restaurants and bars. That’s why the tables and chairs were removed from the Food Court when the new rule went into eff ect on Tuesday. ASKS | from page 3 will be delayed now? Is construction being delayed on the school project? Are you satisfi ed that steps have been taken to ensure that Saugus students at all grade levels will not fall behind in their studies during the time they are out? Or, are you concerned that there will be delays in testing, seniors meeting graduation requirements and other delays in other issues affecting the schools? At this point, are you satisfied with the steps taking place? Is there anything further you think could be done? If so, what? Do you know if plans to move into the new school will be delayed now? Is construction being delayed on the school project? Are you satisfi ed that steps have been taken to ensure that Saugus students at all grade levels will not fall behind in their studies during the time they are out? Or, are you concerned that there will be delays in testing, seniors meeting graduation requirements and other delays in other issues affecting the schools? School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge This is a crazy time for every district. I couldn’t be more happy with the way the Superintendent and his administrative team have handled this crisis. In a very short time they have put together an online educational plan for teachers and students. They are also making sure all of the schools are being deep cleaned and disinfected. What I’m most proud of is how, in partnership with Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus and Whitsons culinary, we were able to start a grab-andgo program where families in need can still get breakfast and lunch. It’s great to have policies in place, but it’s more important to remember how many families are suff ering because of all the shutdowns and isolation. It’s important to help one another anyway we can. I’m not sure if the plans to move into the new building are on hold. Quite frankly, it’s secondary to making sure our students, staff and faculty stay healthy and safe. I feel terrible for the kids. Lots of sacrifi ces have been made and will continue to be made for the foreseeable future. We will certainly get through this sooner if everyone does their part and follows the social distancing guidelines. School Committee Vice Chair Ryan Fisher What’s striking with COVID-19 is how we advanced our mindset day to day. Ten days ago we went from “Do you think schools will close?” to “When do you think they’ll be able to open again?” A nearby ASKS | SEE PAGE 13 221 Newbury Street, Danvers For Tickets call (978) 774-7270 or www.breakawaydanvers.com Breakaway Danvers and Pisa Pizza in Malden are offering a Full Menu for Take-Out and Purchase a Pisa Pizza or Breakaway Gift Card and Get 25% OFF the Purchase Price! (Example: Purchase $100 Gift Card, Pay Only $75)
6 Publizr Home