LOS ANGELES - The four malls in Los Angeles and Orange counties owned by Simon will be closed through March 29 in an attempt to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, joining closures of the Westfield malls and South Coast Plaza.
The Brea Mall, Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, The Outlets at Orange and The Shops at Mission Viejo closed at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
"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, Simon's chairman, CEO and president, said Wednesday in announcing the temporary closures of all of its properties in the United States.
Most stores at the Westfield Century City, Westfield Culver City, Westfield Fashion Square, Westfield Santa Anita, Westfield Topanga & The Village, Westfield Valencia Town Center malls have closed. Some retailers may still be open so essential retail remains in operation for customers.
Most stores and restaurants at Caruso-owned The Grove in the Fairfax district and The Americana at Brand in Glendale are closed but the grocery store and pharmacy tenants remain open, founder Rick J. Caruso announced. Parking will be free.
"Our properties will remain accessible for the public to visit and enjoy," Caruso wrote in a letter posted on the mall's website. "Our fountains are on, our lights are bright and our properties remain secure.''
The South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa closed Monday and will remain closed until March 31.