One of the country’s largest operators of malls announced it is closing its U.S. properties temporarily due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Simon Properties owns the Burlington Mall, Copley Place, the Solomon Pond Mall and nine others in Massachusetts, along with several in New Hampshire and Connecticut.
In its announcement, Simon said the decision was made “after extensive discussions with federal, state and local officials.”
The measure takes effect at 7 p.m. today and will end on March 29.
“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,” company Chairman, CEO and President David Simon said in a statement.