4 Wisconsin Malls To Reopen Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

GREENDALE, WI — The owner of four shopping centers in Wisconsin say they will be reopening their properties later this month as state regulations begin to relax regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simon Malls, which owns and operates the Johnson Creek Outlets, Pleasant Prairie Outlets, Bay Park Square and Southridge say they're opening back up on May 27, according to an official release.

Officials say they've already opened up 59 in a number of other states. "Overwhelmingly, consumers have relayed to us how excited they are to be out shopping again. With more and more stores opening every day, we expect our retailers will be able to take advantage of significant pent-up consumer demand," officials said.

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When they do open back up, there will be several changes. Here they are.

Occupancy Limitations:

Mall staff will limit the number of people in stores to one person per 50 square feet of space. As needed, they will also restrict the number of open entrances to the property while complying with local fire code requirements.

Social Distancing Guidelines:

Employees and security officers will be instructed to remind and encourage shoppers to maintain the proper distance from fellow shoppers and workers, and refrain from shopping in groups.

Furniture Redeployment to Support Social Distancing:

Food court seating will be limited and spaced in a way to encourage social distancing:

No reusable customer service items will be available, such as trays, utensils and cups. Common-area seating will also be reduced and reconfigured to support social distancing.

Temporary Closure of High-Interaction Areas:

All play areas, stroller and valet stations and drinking fountains will be temporarily closed.

Coordinated Traffic Flow:

Directional signs and floor decals will be deployed in the property to encourage better traffic flow, including at entrances and throughout the common area.

Restroom Spacing:

In restrooms, every other sink and urinal will be taped off to encourage the proper spacing between people.

Sanitizing and Disinfecting:

Each night, the common area of the property will be thoroughly sanitized and disinfected using products that meet or exceed CDC guidelines.

Business Hours:

Business hours will be limited to allow for enhanced sanitizing and disinfecting: Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 6 p.m.

Health Pre-Visit Screenings:

Shoppers will be encouraged to take their temperatures and perform health checks prior to visiting our properties and to refrain from visiting the property if they exhibit any flu-like symptoms. Anyone exposed to COVID-19 will be expected to remain at home in quarantine until they are symptom free for at least 72 hours and satisfy other CDC requirements.

Individual Personal Protection:

All shoppers will be encouraged to wear masks or facial coverings while shopping. Mall staff will also provide, free of charge, CDC-approved masks and sanitizing wipe packets to shoppers requesting them.

Temperature testing will be available to shoppers, using infrared thermometers.

Related Reading

• Wisconsin Coronavirus Tracker
• Wearing Masks During Coronavirus: What The Wisconsin DHS Says
• Coronavirus: Some Wisconsin Businesses Can Reopen Under New Order

• What's going on in Wisconsin? Find Out Here
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