Experts Highlight Risks And Strain As Some Georgia Malls Move To Reopen

Simon Property Group, America’s largest mall operator, has announced plans to reopen nearly 50 locations across the country in the next week, including seven in Georgia.

Steven Senne / Associated Press

Even though malls aren’t what they used to be, they can still get crowded.

Hundreds of shops crammed under one roof. This, plus food courts, escalators and play areas, make them not ideal for social distancing.

“You know clearly at a time where we still have community spread of coronavirus, opening up a mall to a lot of people puts both customers and workers at risk,” said Dr. Harry Heiman, who teaches public health at Georgia State University.