Key takeaways:

  • Atterbury has implemented measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its people and partners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The company is committed to maintaining business continuity while adhering to health guidelines.
  • Atterbury encourages all stakeholders to follow governmental guidance and regulations to help stem the tide of COVID-19.

For more than 25 years, Atterbury has valued our partners – our employees, tenants, customers, professionals, service providers and communities – as the pillars of our success. Never before has this been more true. We stand together with our partners and South Africa and share the responsibility to rise to the challenges brought about by the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

We have heard the call of President Ramaphosa. He has been clear that businesses, and shopping centre operators especially, have an important role to play in protecting our communities. We are doing everything he has asked of us to stop the spread of the virus.

We want to assure you of the measures that we have already put in place to ensure the continued safety and well-being of our people and partners. We are taking our guidance from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the World Health Organisation and the relevant local health authorities. This means taking extraordinary steps, but we are committed to doing what is needed to safeguard those who use our buildings.

In our corporate offices in Pretoria and Stellenbosch, we have increased the frequency of cleaning and introduced weekly deep cleaning. We have empowered our teams with the relevant protection and information, and guided them on personal hygiene and preventative measures. Flexible work arrangements are helping our people to look after their children while schools are closed and still deliver the required work output.

At our shopping centres, rigorous and frequent cleaning has been ramped up and we continue to practice the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation. They remain open for business to serve their communities and are equipped to support people in exercising additional hygiene measures. All major events that would attract more than 100 people are being cancelled. We remain dedicated to ensuring our shopping centres continue to be a safe places to visit, work and enjoy.

We understand that our shopping centres are especially valuable channels for communication with the public and we are playing our part in encouraging and educating our communities about the best hygiene practices. We are in the process of placing information at key points, such as entrances, exits, elevators, escalators, and parking machines.

Atterbury is watching the COVID-19 situation closely, keeping open lines of communication and monitoring updates from the relevant authorities as this situation evolves. Should a suspected case of COVID-19 be reported at one of our properties, we have a detailed plan to respond swiftly and appropriately according to official health advice. We will immediately communicate any relevant updates to you and pledge to continue to put the health and safety of all people first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What safety measures has Atterbury implemented for the COVID-19 pandemic?
Atterbury has increased the frequency and depth of cleaning in corporate offices and implemented rigorous, frequent cleaning at shopping centres. The company also introduced flexible work arrangements and cancelled major events to safeguard people and partners.

How are Atterbury’s shopping centres supporting the community during the Coronavirus outbreak?
Shopping centres remain open for business and have ramped up cleaning and sanitation. They are also being used as valuable channels for communication and education on best hygiene practices.

What is Atterbury’s protocol if a suspected case of COVID-19 occurs at one of their properties?
Atterbury has a detailed plan to respond swiftly and appropriately based on official health advice. They will immediately communicate any relevant updates and prioritize the health and safety of all individuals.