For the first time in months, three Long Island malls, opened their doors to shoppers on Friday. The Smithaven Mall in Lake Grove, Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station and Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, welcomed guests, under new guidelines from New York State.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, announced earlier this week that all shopping malls could reopen on July 10th in areas that had reached phase 4 of reopening, with upgraded air filtration systems. New York now requires that all malls use air filtration systems that include a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or MERV, of 11-13 which is capable of filtering out coronavirus particles. Shoppers must still maintain a 6 foot distance and everyone must be wearing masks inside the mall.
According to the Simon Mall website, arrows have been placed on narrow walkways to help direct traffic and maintain social distancing. Masks and disinfecting wipes will be available at the Mall offices. Temperature testing will also be available for employees and shoppers at the Mall offices. Play areas will remain closed.
