Bellis Fair mall temporarily closes as efforts continue to slow spread of coronavirus
Bellis Fair mall has announced it is temporarily closing in order to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
On its website, the mall said essential stores and restaurants with exterior-facing entrances will remain open.
“Thank you for your understanding and support. Our heartfelt wishes for your health and safety. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future,” said the Bellis Fair website statement.
The mall has represented a big portion of Bellingham’s shopping sector since it opened in 1988, with 773,000 square feet of retail space.
An employee at the mall’s Target store confirmed the store will remain open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a special hour for seniors and at-risk shoppers 7-8 a.m. on Wednesdays. An employee at Buffalo Wild Wings confirmed that the restaurant remains open for take-out and delivery. It is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Anchor stores like Macy’s and Kohl’s decided to close before the Bellis Fair announcement.
Target is the only fully open store at the mall, said Austin Israelsky, general manager at Bellis Fair, in an email. Dick’s Sporting Goods has some limited, “contactless” curbside pickup. Chipotle, Red Robin, and McDonald’s are all still open in some capacity, he said.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 4:11 PM.
