Concord Coronavirus: Steeplegate Mall Closes Until Further Notice

CONCORD, NH — The city's largest mall has closed its entire shopping center due to the new coronavirus. Mason Asset Management and Namdar Realty Group, the owner and management company for the Steeplegate Mall, announced the closure Monday. The closure is in response to the "growing concerns" of COVID-19 and the emergency order by the state of New Hampshire.

The closure, however, is specific to "nonessential businesses," the companies said. All essential businesses, as defined by the mandate, will remain open, if they choose to.

"We have been closely tracking developments related to COVID-19 and have been following the guidance of authorities, ensuring that above all else, our patrons, merchants, and employees are safe and healthy," the companies stated in a news release. "The situation has indeed evolved, and in accordance with the state mandate and with our community in mind, we have temporarily closed all New Hampshire malls until further notice. We sincerely appreciate our diligent team's work in maintaining a safe and clean environment over the last few weeks, and we hope to re-open as soon as possible."

The company also owns the Hooksett Village Shops in Hooksett.

When asked which stores would remain open, a company spokesperson couldn't say.

The mall's website only listed a few entities that were not closed. Applesbee's Grill & Bar and TD Bank remain open. iSmart Fix & Accessories said he was doing remote work on a limited basis. Other stores listed as not temporarily closed on the mall's directory website did not answer phone calls.

Help Stop The Spread Of COVID-19

COVID-19, not unlike the flu and other respiratory illnesses, is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms.

Health officials emphasize residents should follow these recommendations:

• Avoid any domestic and international travel, especially on public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, including distancing while in waiting areas or lines.
• Anybody who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with confirmed or suspect COVID-19 needs to stay home and not go out into public places.
• If you are 60 years or older or have chronic medical conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.
• Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Employers need to move to telework as much as possible.
• There is increasing evidence that this virus can survive for hours or possibly even a few days on surfaces, so people should clean frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, grocery carts and grocery basket handles, etc.

Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

• Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e., social distancing).
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.

• Guidance to schools can be found can be found here.
• Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available are available here.
• For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
• For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.

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• NH Coronavirus: 314 Now Infected; Many Clustered In Cities
• NH Governor: Unemployment Funds Up; Standardized Tests Dropped
• NH Coronavirus: 3rd Death Announced; Nearly 5,000 Test Negative
• NH Coronavirus Update: 214 Now Infected; 4,524 Test Negative

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