Shopping malls in certain parts of the province have been given the provincial green light to reopen.

“For those that have moved into the second stage, it’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” James Rilett, vice president of Restaurants Canada, said.

For restaurants and eateries located within shopping malls, they can reopen for outdoor dining, delivery and takeout. Dine-in at indoor food courts is prohibited, according to provincial guidelines.

The decision to reopen is welcome news for retailers.

“Malls are no different than streets lined with stores, save for the fact that they have a roof,” wrote Diane Brisebois, president and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada. “The fundamental goal of providing a safe environment for employees and customers can be achieved in both settings.”

Before going shopping, here are some of the measures that could be implemented at a shopping centre near you:

• limited business hours,

• enhanced security and walking traffic patterns,

• appointment or reservation systems,

• limited access to a business at any one time,

• restricted fitting room access,

• cleaning between fitting room customers, and

• screening of COVID-19 symptoms at mall entry points.