COVID-19 case at Foot Locker Kids in Lime Ridge Mall amid concerns over too large crowds

Just days after a city councillor and people who work atLime RidgeMall raised concerns about the potential for COVID-19 to spread in the shopping centre, a staff member at a store in the mall tested positive for the virus.

Liem Vu, the general manager of Cadillac Fairview Lime Ridge, said in a statement "Our management team was notified about a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Foot Locker Kids at CF Lime Ridge. To our knowledge, the employee last worked Saturday, Nov.21."

"The affected client acted quickly and responsibly by immediately contacting Cadillac Fairview and public health once they were advised ... at this point in time, public healthis working in tandem with the tenant and property to ensure the safety of all occupants."

Vu said Cadillac Fairview Lime Ridge advised public health and arranged for a deep cleaning of the area.

"At the same time, Cadillac Fairview is undertaking extra cleaning of all elevator banks, food court tables, common area seating, doors and stair railings, and all other high-touch points in the complex."'

CBC News was at the mall on Saturday, where some customers indicated they felt unsafe due to the number of people inside the shopping centre.

Drew Logan, a 21-year-old from Burlington who was shopping with his partner, said he was avoiding the ground floor. "The first floor is a bit too crowded we don't particularly feel safe."

An employee who spoke to CBC News before Saturday also said customersdon't always physically distance or wear masks properly while walking throughout the mall.

Alexander Argento, a25-year-old who works at a clothing store in the mall, said"On the weekends, it's been madness."

Vu said in a statement the number of customers on Saturday was high enough it "limited mall access to specific entrances to actively manage the number of building occupants.."

Despite this, Hamilton public health officials saidcity bylaw officers saw no issues when they previously visitedthe mall.