Simon Properties the biggest Mall owners in the United States have said they will gradually start opening back some of it's malls starting this Friday May 1. All of their properties across the United States closed down on March 18 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

According to CNBC Simon is reopening 49 of its malls and outlet centers Friday through Monday in 10 states including Texas, Georgia, Indiana and Missouri. I was able to speak with Katie Caz who is the Mall Manager of Miller Hill Mall in Duluth and she said they will not be opening up until Governor Tim Walz authorizes them to be allowed open. 

The hours and set up at the malls will be very different from normal as hours will be limited from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, to allow for cleaning and sanitation overnight.  Simon is encouraging shoppers to take their temperatures before going to the mall, but once they are there they will also have free temperature testing available to customers, using infrared thermometers.

Free CDC-approved masks and hand sanitizing packets will also be available to the shoppers who ask for them. Customers are being encouraged to wear some type of facial covering before entering the mall and all employees will be required to wear face masks and take breaks to wash their hands.

Of course Social Distancing will be a big part of the plan as well so they are making sure to tape off anything in between tables, bathroom urinals etc. to have people spaced 6 feet apart.  Hopefully these practices will keep people safe and more stores can start opening back up in the future.

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