“Temporarily closed.”

Those have become the signs of the time, including at the Dartmouth Mall, which is closed as of Tuesday, March 24 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The parking lots resembled a ghost town Monday afternoon, with nearly all stores closed, hours after Governor Charlie Baker announced that all non-essential businesses must close their physical workplaces as of Tuesday, March 24 through Tuesday, April 7.

Prior to the governor’s announcement, the mall had taken steps to cope with the Coronavirus, including closing the play area and cancelling events.

The facility’s housekeeping contractor had trained their staff in personal hygiene protocol and enhanced methods of disinfecting “high-touch” areas like food courts, common area seating, charging stations, stroller docks and play areas with hospital-grade disinfectant.

The mall had also provided hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes throughout the building. 

Although the governor’s advisory will remain in effect until April 7, it is unclear at this time if that date will be extended. 

Many mall restaurants, including Panera, are also closed temporarily during this time.