GREENWOOD, Ind. (WTHR) - Most of Indiana entered phase two Monday of the governor's plan to get the state back on track.
According to the plan, social gatherings are permitted with up to 25 people. Churches and manufacturers can reopen. Malls can also reopen at 50 percent capacity.
Shoppers lined up as Greenwood Park Mall opened at 11:00 a.m. A security guard counted people as they entered the mall. Just two entrances are open to better regulate crowds and foot traffic under new Simon Property safety protocols.
"We're a big part of the community,” said Simon Area Director of Marketing Danielle Parker. “We realize that now it's time to open and we're looking forward to having our retailers open back up when they feel that it's safe for their brands to do so."
Many stores remain closed. But shoppers bought and left with bags full of purchases from stores that are open.
"Our shoppers are being encouraged to frequently wash and sanitize their hands while shopping,” said Parker. “We're encouraging them to wear masks or facial coverings. We're providing shoppers who would like - free of charge - masks and individual sanitizing wipe packets."
Mall employees and vendors are required to wear a mask and self-screen their health before coming to work, including taking their temperature. “Healthy Shopper Guidelines” are posted throughout the mall, along with other reminders on the floor and on signs for people to maintain 6-feet social distancing. Play areas are closed. Some sinks and urinals are taped off to keep shoppers separated in the restrooms.
"The center is safe,” said Parker. “We've designed this set of protocols to protect the employees, the tenants, and our shoppers, of course. We encourage you to come out when you feel that it's safe for your own person to do so."
Simon asked 13News not to interview shoppers coming and going from the mall. But many expressed their disappointment that so few stores were open on the first day the mall opened in over six weeks. Simon expects more stores to open each day as the week goes along. But those decisions are left up to individual retailers.
Von Maur was one of the anchor stores open at Greenwood Park Mall Monday. In a news release, the company said:
“Customers will notice several changes that strictly follow guidelines established by the CDC. Those measures include daily employee health screenings, social distancing, contact-less payment, curbside service options, and strict sanitizing and cleaning procedures in common areas and after each customer transaction. Any state specific guidelines will be adhered to as well.”
Shoppers are encouraged to check the mall website to see which stores are open.
Greenwood Park Mall is operating under reduced hours from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday to allow for enhanced cleaning.