Shops At Mission Viejo Reopen With Restrictions

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Nine of the Simon properties Southern California retail centers reopened on Tuesday, including the Shops at Mission Viejo after closing in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Simon, one of the nation's largest owners and operators of shopping centers, shut down 10 Southern California locations as part of a statewide attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Southern California reopenings included Orange County's Brea Mall, The Outlets at Orange, and The Shops at Mission Viejo.

You can expect directional markers, six-feet social distancing, and enhanced sanitizing and disinfecting solutions, along with other safety protocols.

Last week, the malls opened with curbside to go shopping options. One week later, the doors were open, and residents once again were allowed to shop.

This week, the Indianapolis-based company has reported that many of its more than 200 U.S. retail properties have reopened in areas where officials lifted shopping restrictions.

"The Simon team is meeting these unprecedented challenges with unwavering commitment to the safety of our employees, shoppers, retailers and the communities we serve," Chairman, CEO and President David Simon said in the company's latest quarterly report published May 11. "We have successfully navigated challenging times throughout our company's history, and we will endure and gain strength as we weather this disruption."

Reopened centers have increased emphasis on cleanliness and social distancing, according to "COVID-19 Exposure Mitigation Protocols" outlined on the company's website.

Simon Property's guidelines include pre-work screenings for employees, re-configuring high-traffic areas, breaks for employees to wash their hands, self-service payment transactions, disinfection of touchpoints, and sanitizing stations, according to the 10-page document.

Simon Properties also has launched a national initiative to host food banks, clothing donation drives, and host COVID-19 mobile testing units and blood drives at properties coast-to-coast.

Elsewhere in Southern California, Desert Hills Premium Outlets and Ontario Mills in the Inland Empire; San Diego County's Carlsbad Premium Outlets, Fashion Valley, and Las Americas Premium Outlets; and Ventura County's Camarillo Premium Outlets. The exception was the three-level Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, which remains closed.

Did you go shopping at the Shops at Mission Viejo this week? Let us know how it went or your thoughts on getting back to life as usual. Email your Patch Editor or write to us in comments.

City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.