BUFFALO (WBEN) - With many local establishments now closed due to Governor Cuomo's mandate, the malls remains open.
The Galleria Mall was quite empty at about 11:30 Tuesday morning, as I counted no more than a couple dozen people in the 15-20 minutes I was there. However, some of the walkers stopped to discuss their level of concern for coronavirus.
"Basically, I don't think it's too bad out yet," said Joe Mack. "It might get worse the way the governor is talking, but other than that, I don't seem too worried about it."
"Not overly concerned but just the basic precautions - cleaning hands, washing up," said Roy Yax. "
"It's relatively high, but I have to work here..." said Sam Klonowski, who didn't want to reveal specifically where he worked. "Things have to be the way they are, but I can't complain too much."
When asked if the mall and other similar places shut be shut down at a time like this, Klonowski's reaction was blunt.
"Most definitely, yes," he responded, and also talked about the risk he feels working in a setting that often requires so much face-to-face interaction. "Somewhat (at risk); we're a pretty infrequent traffic store, so a little bit less than some stores, but Macy's and some of the bigger ones have to have a higher foot traffic.
"There was a case last week," Klonowski continued. "It's definitely in the mall, so they should close it, but it's still open, so there's nothing we can do."
"I'm not too concerned right now, okay, but it looks like it's going to get worse than better to be honest with you," said Mack. "I'd sit home and get some groceries, and what else could you do? Watch TV and be home."
"I'm going on a day-to-day basis as it is," said Yax. "If it's to the point where it's 20% or 30% more per day, yeah I'd probably stay home."