Letter: Mall should refuse entry

Maureen Lesser of Ballito writes:

On entering The Junction Mall, a hand sanitizer is used on one’s hands.

This is fantastic, but only a small attempt to curb the virus.

However, what about the wearing of masks, why aren’t non-wearers refused entry? This we are all led to believe is more beneficial than sanitizing. And mandatory!

All Junction stores have signage to this effect: No mask, no entry.

What is different from walking around the centre, as opposed to entering the shops?

Junction marketing manager Sashena Ramparsad replies:

With the guidance from the South African Council of Shopping Centres as well as due to Government regulations, Ballito Junction has implemented measures to encourage social distancing and hygienic practices to ensure that the mall maintains a safe shopping environment during this time.

Amongst others, the mall has a no mask, no entry policy.

Visible signage to this effect is on display at entrances, including pedestrian gates.

Onsite training is implemented with onsite security and service providers’ teams to ensure that mask compliance by customers is adhered to.

Mall security is strategically placed in high traffic areas within the centre to assist in mask compliance for all.