Columbia Mall cuts back hours amid COVID-19 outbreak

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Mall shortened its operating hours effective Monday, March 16 as the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States.

The mall will now be open from noon - 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It will have normal operating hours on Sundays, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

It's unclear how long the mall will operate at reduced hours.

Columbia Mall's normal operating hours are from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday.

According to the statement on the mall's website, some stores may follow different guidelines.

"Retailers and merchants may implement their own corporate policies regarding modified hours or temporary store closures," according to the online statement. "Please make sure to check the restaurant or store hours prior to visiting."

Columbia Mall

Mall officials said it is taking the following steps amid the virus outbreak:

• The CDC guidelines on workplace cleanliness include an increased frequency of cleaning highly touchable areas throughout a property. We are disinfecting high traffic areas within the center and parking garages.
• As an extra precaution, we are working with our housekeeping vendors to increase the frequency and intensity of cleaning touchable surfaces using a strong disinfectant known to eradicate viruses.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed throughout the center and will be replenished or replaced as needed.
• We continue to monitor the situation and the government’s response. If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 at the shopping center, we will alert the community and work with local, state and federal health officials to ensure an appropriate plan is in place to help diminish the spread of the virus.

"We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak, in particular the potential impact within our local community. There is nothing more important than maintaining a safe environment, and we will be taking all necessary precautions for the well-being of our entire shopping center community. This includes following guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and our local Department of Health," according to a statement on the mall's website.

Wal-mart is among some nationwide retailers that changed business hours amid the spread of COVID-19.