Mall giant Simon Property Group is planning on a phased reopening of nearly 50 shopping malls and retail outlets starting on Friday, according to an internal memo obtained by CNBC.
Its mall properties have been shuttered since March 18 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees is of paramount importance and we are taking this step to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," said David Simon, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Simon in the original press release.
»MORE: America's largest mall operator temporarily closes its doors due to coronavirus
Georgia will be among the first states to reopen on May 1, with Lenox Square, Mall of Georgia, Phipps Plaza, Sugarloaf Mills, Town Center at Cobb, Calhoun Outlet Marketplace and North Georgia PO.
Other states will follow between May 1 and May 4, “based on current state and/or local stay-at-home or closure orders which are subject to change,” read the memo.
The malls will operate at limited hours, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
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Don’t expect your shopping experience to be back to normal right away, though.
Employees will be required to wear masks. Shoppers will be given the option for temperature checks, free CDC-approved masks, and hand sanitizer.
Simon Property will also use “traffic measuring technology” to limit patrons to one person per 50 square feet. Malls will also have limited seating available in food courts and one-way decals to promote social distancing.
Water fountains and children’s play equipment will stay closed.
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