Simon Property Group, the largest mall owner in the US, will reopen 49 malls and outlet centres from May 1 to May 4. The group plans to slowly open retailers with limited hours to allow for cleaning overnight, and high-traffic touch areas like door knobs and tables will be santised regularly. Contactless transactions using Apple Pay will be highly encouraged.
The company will also be limiting the number of entrances to its properties and using traffic measuring technology to ensure occupancy doesn’t surpass one person per 50 square feet of space.
Coronavirus has been widely politicised in the US, and in recent weeks protests have emerged across the country questioning the government’s response and urging lawmakers to reopen the economy. The property group’s approach includes encouraging, but not enforcing health and safety measures. Shoppers will have the option to take masks, sanitising packets and temperature testing, all provided free of charge.
Employees for the retailer will be required to wear masks and take frequent hand-washing breaks while on shift.
