Temperature checks, masks now mandatory at Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo

Temperature checks, masks now mandatory at Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo
Kendall Hanson/CHEK

A Vancouver Island shopping mall says it is the first of its kind in B.C. to administer temperature check to customers before entry.

Shoppers visiting Nanaimo’s Woodgrove Centre must undergo a temperature check at all separate entrances. Customers must also wear face masks before entering the shopping mall.

The measures took effect Monday.

As a result of the new measures, the entrance that is located between Hudson Bay and Sport Chek is closed, however, customers can still enter through Sport Chek and Hudson’s Bay entrances.

Woodgrove is the first mall to administer temperature checks to all guests prior to entry, according to their management.

Vercancy Wu, marketing manager for Woodgrove Centre, said the goal isn’t just about business, but to ensure everyone shoppers and employees feel safe, particularly as the cooler months approach.

“We just want to provide a very comfortable environment for people can enjoy their time,” said Wu.

Mall administration has been getting positive feedback about the new safety measures, with many customers feeling safer and more secure while shopping, adds Wu.

The new safety measures come months Woodgrove’s then-owners, Ivanhoé Cambridge, issued a statement suggesting that a person who worked at the mall tested positive for COVID-19. However, that claim was disputed by Woodgrove, who issued their own stating denying anyone who worked at the mall had COVID-19.

RELATED: Mixed messaging around reported COVID-19 case at Nanaimo mall causes confusion

RELATED: Nanaimo mall says person who tested positive for COVID-19 did not work there

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