COVID-19 patient reports visiting Miami-Dade’s Dolphin Mall Sunday

Dolphin Mall to remain open despite COVID-19 patient’s warning of recent visit

Dolphin Mall released a statement warning a shopper reported visiting the center on March 8. (Local 10 News File)

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Dolphin Mall will remain open even though a COVID-19 patient reported visiting the center on March 8, a spokesperson for the mall announced on Friday.

The mall’s public relations firm also claims there are no known COVID-19 cases of workers at the mall, which has some 240 retail outlets at 11401 NW 12th St., in Sweetwater.

The food court will also remain open.

Aside from deep cleaning, placing hand sanitizer stations and closing the children’s play area, the mall also canceled events through the end of March, including the popular Bunnyville Easter Experience.

For more information about COVID-19 in your area, call The Florida Department of Health’s hotline at 1-866-779-6121.

Here is the statement released by Dolphin Mall’s public relations firm:

STATEMENT

Out of an abundance of caution, tonight we are adding additional cleaning crews to do a deep cleaning and sanitization of the mall as we have just learned that a shopper confirmed to have COVID-19 was known to be in the center on March 8. These efforts supplement the additional efforts we had already taken after the COVID-19 situation emerged and will help to ensure the health and safety of our customers, employees and community.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • There are no known cases of center employees with COVID-19
  • We have formed a cross-functional committee that is monitoring developments and is making necessary operational changes as the situation progresses
  • We are monitoring the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control. We will continue to closely monitor the situation, cooperate with local health officials and comply with all public health recommendations
  • In March, we:
  • Began disinfecting surfaces more frequently using a stronger, more effective disinfectant product
  • Placed additional hand sanitizer stations throughout the center
  • We have canceled all mall events, regardless of size, through the end of March. We are presently reviewing all other events through April and will make decisions about them in the near-term
  • We have canceled our annual “Bunnyville” Easter experience
  • We have closed the center play area
  • We will be reducing seating capacity in the food court to create social separation in that area
  • Our center hours remain the same

About the Author:

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.