Coronavirus: All Indoor Mall Sections To Close In NY, CT, NJ, PA

NEW YORK, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that all indoor portions of retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys will temporarily close in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey as the nation takes desperate measures to encourage social distancing and curb the spread of the new coronavirus. Cuomo's said the indoor sections of the venues will close effective Thursday at 8 p.m.

The governors said the move builds upon guidance that the four states adopted to limit crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people. This week, the states also announced restaurants and bars would close for on-premise service and move to take-out and delivery services only. The governors also temporarily closed movie theaters, gyms and casinos.

"We are doing everything we can as states to reduce density and contain the spread of the virus," Cuomo said. "It is critical that we remain on the same page as our neighboring states, and so far we are the only region in the country partnering to create uniform, regional density reduction policies that prevent 'state shopping.' We will continue working together to update our regulations and guidance as the situation evolves while keeping a consistent standard across the region."

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The order came after the state directed all non-essential businesses in the state to have at least half their employees work from home. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday the measures follow a series of dramatic steps the state has taken to "flatten the curve," and prevent a wave of looming new coronavirus cases from overwhelming hospitals. Essential services, such as those in health care, food, pharmacy or supply industry, would be exempt.

Cuomo reiterated Wednesday that experts project the disease will peak in about 45 days.

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