Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Although WNY enters phase four next week, some business won't get to reopen yet.
Governor Cuomo won't allow movie theaters, gyms, and malls to open up. “We are still looking at the science and the data. There has been information that those situations have created issues in other states,” he said. “If we have that information, we don’t want to then go ahead until we know what we’re doing, right? Logic suggests if you see a problem in other states, that you explore it before you move forward in your state," he added. "And that’s what we’re doing with gyms, theaters and malls."
Cuomo says the state health department is working to decide if “any filtration system for an air conditioning system that can successfully remove the virus from air circulation,”
PYRAMID MANAGEMENT GROUP RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT
The State of New York reiterated today that malls would remain closed indefinitely. This is both unfair and unjustified.
The State cites situations in other states where bar and restaurant patrons have crowded into tight venues without masks and social distancing being required, creating greater risk for virus transmission. That is not in any way comparable to a vast open shopping center with millions of square feet available to socially distance, nor is it comparable to venues like ours with comprehensive safety protocols in place, including the requirement of masks.
Otherwise, the primary reason being used for mall closures is that air circulation systems could circulate the coronavirus. If that is the case, why are freestanding restaurants, barber shops, office buildings, museums and large retailers allowed to remain open? The fresh air circulation and filtration systems we have in place are as good or better. In addition, a short while ago, the State indicated that its team of health officials are looking for an air filter that removes the virus from the air flow and seemed to suggest that malls could not open until that is resolved. None of the retail stores, restaurants and other buildings that have been allowed to open by New York State have such a filter system in place. Why are we being treated differently and inequitably?
The State has cited a report from China regarding one isolated restaurant environment on the 3rd floor of a building. That report has been refuted by multiple health professionals in the United States. In addition, experts from Vanderbilt, Penn State and Johns Hopkins University have noted that the standards for HVAC systems in the United States are significantly higher than other countries. More tellingly, there have been no COVID-19 cases transmitted through HVAC systems.
We and our tenants understand and respect the focus on public health. However, there is no documented link between HVAC systems and the spread of COVID-19 in malls. And the fact is that we already have engaged HVAC professionals to increase fresh air flow into the building, change filters and follow other recommendations. This week, we have spoken with dozens of HVAC companies who have shared that Pyramid has done considerably more than other businesses that they represent who are open.
Overall, we have implemented all of the guidance released by the federal government, CDC and the State of New York. We stand prepared to re-open safely.
