By Joshua Huff, sports editor
HOOVER — The Riverchase Galleria in Hoover has temporarily closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the nation.
Alabama’s largest mall did not announced a date for it to reopen.
“Essential stores and restaurants with exterior-facing entrances remain open to service your needs,” said a message posted on the mall’s website. “Thank you for your understanding and support. Our heartfelt wishes for your health and safety. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.”
The mall’s closure follows Jefferson County Department of Health adding adding barbershops, hair salons and non-essential retail stores to its list of businesses that are to shutter their doors to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
Jefferson County Health Department officer Dr. Mark Wilson said late Sunday night that he has ordered the closures be in place by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020.
“This is a matter of life and death,’’ Wilson said in a video posted to Twitter.
Wilson added that by Monday at 5 p.m. all non-essential retail stores are ordered to close. That order does not include grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, hardware and building supply, technology and office supply.
“I’m aware that many people are asking what is essential or not,” Wilson said. “This is not a time to look for loopholes. I cannot possibly list each and every business. So, I need your help using good judgement to do everything you can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The Jefferson County Department of Health announced this past Thursday that all non-essential businesses and services will be closed for the foreseeable future due to the risk of infection by the coronavirus.