I’ve been avoiding enclosed malls since COVID hit in March last year – but today I ventured out…

Last year March I was at Hobby-X, I was working. Geek Media (that’s me) was live posting to Hobby-X’s accounts while chatting to exhibitors. I was aware of the virus that already had a foothold in China, US and Europe… I still remember saying to my husband that I hope someone hasn’t brought it over yet. The first case was announced on day 2 or 3 of the expo.
That was the last time I saw a lot of people in one enclosed space. I’ve avoided my usual mall-walking window-shopping excursions since.

Today I ventured out to Fourways Mall. It was eerily devoid of people. Starbucks wasn’t crammed to the brim as it always was. There wasn’t people walking on top of you or browsing through the clothing rails right next to you.
This is not how I remember shopping at Fourways was…

I made a point of greeting every worker today as I walked through Edgars, Woolworths, Miladys and Foschini. Everyone was trying to keep busy arranging clothes and cleaning – super eager to help and share more about the special deals available.

This is what it has come to, me not running through a shop and ignoring people or firmly telling them I don’t need help or I’m just browsing. It has come to where I stop to talk to people, asking random strangers how they are doing. I don’t want to be that person that makes the day worse in an already shitty situation.

I may not venture into a mall soon again, but I hope that when I eventually do return, they (the people) will all still there.