Essential stores open at Canal Walk shopping centre
Countries across the globe are working tirelessly to fight the new virus, Coronavirus, which is also referred to as COVID19. According to the World Health Organisation, it’s a respiratory virus that spreads through droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs.
As part of the major efforts to fight off and protect people against this virus, the South African government has ordered strict social distancing measures. This is done through a lockdown strategy. The 21-day lockdown has forced many shopping malls in Cape Town and other parts of the country to shut down the doors of stores that are not selling essential items.
For example, stores that sell fashion or jewellery items.
The lockdown has also forced many people who are not essential workers to remain behind closed doors. This is an effort to manage large crowds, flatten the curve and contain the spread of the virus. People are only encouraged to travel when going to buy essential items.
What are the essential items?
Essential items include, but are not limited to, food items, medical-related items, pet food, hygiene products, fuel, and basic toiletry items such as roll-on, sanitary pads, etc. This means that only food and health stores including – large retail chains, smaller food shops, spaza shops, fruit and veg shops, butchers, pet stores, pharmacies, health stores, and health food stores – are permitted to stay open.
While we have been in lockdown mode for a couple of days already, there is still confusion about which stores are open and which stores sell essentials. This is why we’ve rounded up a list of essential stores that are open at the Canal Walk shopping centre in Cape Town.
Supermarkets open to the public
Checkers
Checkers is a food store in Cape Town which will remain open during the lockdown. It will continue to support customers with necessary food essentials and toiletries essentials as well as home cleaning essentials. It’s located closest to entrance one.
Pick n Pay
When you’re in need of essential food items such as meat, vegetables, fruits, Pick n Pay is an established one-stop-shop to get all of these items. The grocery store will remain open during the lockdown to support your family during these tough times.
Game
Game, a popular department store, will continue to provide customers with a wide range of goods, such as food items and home cleaning supplies.
Woolworths
Woolworths retails more than clothes; it has a food department that has a variety of food items such as fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, deli meats, and freshly cooked oven meals. You’ll find Woolworths closer to entrance one; a one-stop destination to find the produce you need.
Pet stores open to the public
Absolute Pets
Both Absolute Pets store at entrance one and four of Canal Walk shopping centre will remain open to customers. Visit these stores to stock up on food for your furry friends.
Pharmacies open to the public
Clicks Pharmacy
Clicks store is one of the leading beauty and health stores in Cape Town. While other non-essential items will not be sold at Clicks, you are allowed to buy essential items such as medication, baby-related items, and toiletries on-demand. Should you need wellness services such as blood pressure testing, please call the store in advance to find out if the service is available on the day you need to go. Clicks is closest to entrance four.
Dis-Chem Pharmacy
At Dis-Chem Pharmacy, you will find dispensaries, family clinics, and self-services. You can buy any basic beauty related items such as soaps and lotions, supplements and household essentials. You will find Dis-Chem Pharmacy closer to entrance one.
Banks open to the public
Banks are open to the public at Canal Walk shopping centre, and these include Bidvest Bank, Capitec Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank. The First National Bank is not open during this time. However, should you need to make any banking-related transactions at the other banks, you can make a stop at Canal Walk. It’s recommended that you contact your bank in advance, as trading hours have changed for essential stores.
Final thoughts
The much-needed 21-day lockdown will remain in place until further notice. While shopping centres like the Canal Walk are working hard and diligently to help customers with essential items support, it’s also important for us to do our part. You can do this by staying at home if you’re not an essential worker and comply with the social distancing safety measures.
Before you leave your house, please ensure that you know the new operating hours of the above essential stores and banks. Parking at the centre is free and limited to entrance one and four as well as entrance 12 for pedestrian access. When you go out to buy your essential items, remember to take precautionary measures such as sneezing or coughing on a flexed elbow. Put a one-meter distance between you and other shoppers, and always remember to wash and sanitize your hands whenever necessary. Take care shoppers!