Nation’s largest mall owner to reopen 49 locations this week

Simon Property Group (SPG) said it would reopen dozens of malls across the country next weekend as states begin to allow some commerce to resume during the coronavirus pandemic.

A memo obtained by CNBC indicated that 49 malls owned by SPG, the nation’s largest mall owner, would reopen under reduced hours and special guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.

Employees will be required to wear face masks and wash their hands frequently, while guests will be provided with free masks and hand sanitizer packets on request. All locations will also only be open between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon through 6 p.m. on Sundays to allow for cleaning and sanitation efforts.

Food courts, restrooms and other common areas will be altered or redesigned to enforce social distancing guidelines, the memo continued, while children’s play areas will remain closed. Retail stores within the malls will make their own decisions on whether to reopen, CNBC reports.

A number of states have unveiled plans to reopen retail businesses in the coming weeks, and SPG properties in 10 states including Texas will be included in the company’s reopening plan.

Some businesses in malls such as movie theaters will remain closed under guidelines preventing high-risk businesses from reopening. SPG closed all of its properties in mid-March as the outbreak forced many states to shutter nonessential businesses.