Auburn Mall and Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough closed starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday and remain closed through March 29 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the malls’ owner announced.
Simon Property Group, the owner of those and 10 other shopping centers in Massachusetts, said Wednesday afternoon all Simon malls were being closed after discussions with federal, state and local officials and in recognition of a need to limit the spread of the virus.
“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,” David Simon, the chairman, CEO and president of Simon, said in a statement.
Until now, the shopping malls had slightly reduced hours but were among few public places to remain open at a time when public officials are asking people to limit the size of gatherings or to stay home if they can. Those limits include the temporary closure of many restaurants, movie theaters and banks, along with most colleges switching to online courses only for at least the coming few weeks.
The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley in Millbury remains open but eight of its individual stores were closed as of Wednesday, including American Eagle, Lane Bryant and Sephora.
