As PA Moves To Yellow, KOP Mall Will Not Elaborate On Reopening

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Simon Malls has declined to clarify their reopening plans for King of Prussia or any of their local properties, even as Montgomery County moves into the yellow phase of the state plan to ease coronavirus restrictions on Friday. That phase allows for the reopening of outdoor dining and drinking, while also lifting the stay-at-home order which has been in place since March 23.

Retail businesses can reopen, but curbside pickup is encouraged. And some restaurants around the mall are planning on reopening for outdoor dining, as space allows.

But in response to a request from Patch for their reopening plans, a spokesperson for Simon referred to the statement on their website, which has remain unchanged for weeks. "At this time, all information is available at the property’s website," the spokesperson said.

The website reads "We are temporarily closed by government mandate," elaborating only to say "We are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation related to COVID-19 with public health officials and will provide updates as they become available."

>>Philly Region Moves To Yellow Phase Friday: Here's What Changes

Simon's pages for their other properties in the area, including two others in Montgomery County, Montgomery Mall and Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Limerick, forward on to an identical statement.

So it does not appear that moving into the yellow phase will immediately change things, despite the eased restrictions. Public-facing businesses and retailers can reopen, but will have to follow specific rules, such as limiting capacity in buildings, installing shields at registers, and mandating mask wearing among employees and customers.

Simon has provided a roadmap for what this might look like as they have reopened some of their other malls in other states. However, it's clear that regardless of what happens, the future mallgoing experience in King of Prussia will be quite different.

In Simon malls that are opening elsewhere, food courts are takeout only, entrances are limited, and temperature-taking will be offered via infrared thermometers.

Numerous distancing strategies are in place at these locations. The malls are aiming to not exceed a targeted level of one shopper per 50 square of space. They're also working to restrict the number of entrances to properties and, like grocery stores, will establish lines to manage traffic.

It also remains unclear what impact, if any, the recent looting at King of Prussia may have on Simon's plans. Twelve individuals were arrested over the weekend and 200 officers responded to protect the mall, as rioters smashed windows and damaged numerous businesses and restaurants around the mall's perimeter.