A handful of local malls announced they would be closing, due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.
Simon Property Group, which owns malls all over the country, announced the closure of all locations as of 7 p.m. on Thursday March, 19. In a statement, the company said all malls will close until March 29, including multiple locations in the Central Florida area.
"The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees is of paramount importance and we are taking this step to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," said David Simon, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Simon in the statement.
Central Florida Simon Property Group locations that will close include Ellenton Premium Outlet, the Tampa Premium Outlet, Tyrone Square Mall, Orlando International Premium Outlets, Orlando Outlet Marketplace, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, and The Florida Mall.
Tampa’s largest mall, International Plaza, is remaining open for now, but told the Tampa Bay Times they’re “monitoring the current situation with COVID-19 very closely.”
Westfield Mall also announced the temporary and indefinite closure of all four of its locations in Tampa Bay, including their locations in Brandon, Tampa, Clearwater, and Sarasota. These locations will remain closed until further notice.
As of now, WestShore Plaza in Tampa is still open.
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