Here's How Bell Works Reopened Its 2 Million Square Foot Complex

HOLMDEL, NJ – Bell Works, the gargantuan cultural hub that houses Bell Market, The Block mall and the Holmdel Library, announced its comprehensive reopening strategy to welcome back the public amid the coronavirus pandemic. In partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health’s Reopening America Assist Program, the complex has implemented facility upgrades and design enhancements to combat the spread of the virus.

“The Bell Works Metroburb has evolved into a cultural heartbeat for the region. We understood the building’s importance to the community, as well as our responsibility to provide our businesses with a safe and secure environment in line with government guidelines,” said Robert Feinberg, director of operations of Somerset Development, in a statement. “Under the expert guidance of Hackensack Meridian Health and the tireless efforts of the Bell Works staff and design team, we’re proud to once again open our doors to tenants and guests.”

The Reopening America Assist Program was created to assist businesses in implementing best practices in safety, education and testing related to the spread of infectious diseases. Thanks to the program, Bell Works has added Dahua Thermal scanners at each of the entrances of the building, which detect fever-level temperatures in guests once they step inside the facility.

Bell Works’ reopening plan also includes increased fresh air flow and upgraded air filters, the installation of additional hand sanitizer stations with touchless receptacles along the corridors and the implementation of new ‘wave to open’ entry and bathroom doors. All staff, security and maintenance personnel have undergone extensive training in order to reduce the risk for disease transmission, including thermal scanning procedures and protocols in the event a visitor is found to have an elevated temperature, according to a news release.

Interior design and layout enhancements to the facility include additional furniture spaced throughout the building to meet social distance mandates. Graphics directing foot traffic and new signage educating tenants and guests on signs, symptoms, etiquette and precautionary measures associated with COVID-19 have also been added to the 2-million-square-foot complex.

Related: Prep The Popcorn: Drive-In Theater Comes To Bell Works

“Our team was impressed with Bell Works’ comprehensive reopening plan and appreciated the opportunity to see first-hand how the plan translates into reality,” said Michael Geiger, Hackensack Meridian Health Vice President overseeing the Reopening America Program. “So much of what Bell Works has implemented is on target with regulatory and governmental guidelines, mandates and industry best practices, including measures geared towards improving tenant and visitor circulation through the building, and the implementation of thermal scanning procedures will help identify individuals who can potentially spread infection.”

Thanks to the partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, Bell Works has developed its own “Stop the Spread” initiative which includes new house rules, including:

• Face masks required for entry and at all times in all indoor common areas
• No pets allowed in the Metroburb until further notice
• Sanitize laptops, phones and bags
• Frequent hand washing (for 20 seconds) is highly recommended
• Do not handle coins or paper money
• Practice social distancing
• If you feel sick, please stay home!

To learn about Hackensack Meridian Health’s Reopening America Assist Program, click here or call (732) 869-2777.

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