Queens malls will reopen at half capacity Sept. 9

Queens Place Mall will reopen Sept. 9 under new guidelines issued by the state. Eagle file photo by Katie Finkowski

By David Brand

Malls in Queens and elsewhere in New York City will reopen at half capacity starting Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday.

The local retail industry has been particularly impacted by the COVID shutdown, which took effect in March and left tens of thousands of workers jobless. Most stores have remained dormant as only shops with doors that lead directly to the outside have been able to reopen. 

Malls must also ensure enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards in order to open, Cuomo said.

Staff and shoppers will be required to wear a mask and indoor dining is prohibited.

 "While this pandemic is far from over, our numbers have remained steadily low, so we know our phased, data-driven approach to reopening is the right one," Cuomo said. 

"Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, we are at a point in our fight against this virus where we can safely reopen malls in New York City as long as they adhere to strict health and safety protocols.”