Health department rescinds close orders to Northgate, Kenwood malls


Health department rescinds close orders to Northgate, Kenwood malls

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Macy’s at Northgate Mall will close this month. (Photo: Enquirer file photo)

Hamilton County Public Health ordered malls closed today, then retracted the action because it went beyond a prohibition against mass gatherings issued March 12 by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.

DeWine’s March 12 order prohibited mass gatherings of more than 100 people, with exceptions that included shopping malls. Today, DeWine reduced that number to 50.

The health department had served a “cease and desist” order against Northgate Mall in Colerain Township and was about to do so at the Kenwood Towne Centre in Sycamore Township when the orders were retracted, Hamilton County Public Health spokesman Mike Samet said.

Interim Hamilton County Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman later issued a statement apologizing for the missteps.

“Out of an abundance of caution and in response to Governor DeWine’s and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton’s orders to reduce large gatherings, we asked malls to cease and desist in accordance with the orders issued by the Director of Health for the State of Ohio on March 12, 2020, mandating the prohibition of mass gatherings,” Kesterman said.

“Please note within those orders, an exemption exists for shopping malls.  At this time, we are asking all malls to encourage social distancing (spacing of six feet between patrons) within the mall and to close sit- down eating areas within the mall. Carryout may still continue. 

“Please realize that we are working around the clock to ensure the health and safety of the citizens of Hamilton County. We are sorry for any inconvenience or confusion that the previous order may have caused,” Kesterman said.

Other malls around Greater Cincinnati have made changes due to coronavirus concerns.

  • The Florence Mall is now open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday during the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the mall’s website. 
  • The Tri-County Mall security office said the mall is still open. The mall’s website says the children’s play areas are closed.  
  • The Eastgate Mall will retain normal business hours, but some individual store hours may change, according to its website. 

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