Simon Property Group just announced a temporary closure of their domestic malls, premium outlet malls, and mills until March 29.

In an attempt to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, Simon Property Group closed down all of their U.S. holdings effective 7 p.m. on March 18, 2020. The Chief Executive Officer had this to say about the new development in a press release:

"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," said David Simon, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Simon.

Simon properties are located all over the country. This decision will affect countless retail workers, scores of retailers, and small, independent vendors. To see a full, searchable list of the locations, check the Simon website.

As a preventative measure, this is the first such sweeping closure by a major mall ownership group in the country. Government leaders and health experts around the world are reiterating the importance of abstaining from going out in public to minimize the spread of the virus. First, major sporting events and concerts, then restaurants and bars, and now the retail industry are all being shut down as Americans do their best to stay home in isolation.

Simon is the first U.S. mall owner to temporarily close all retail properties. https://t.co/cVDMf6IrMY #retail #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/mPvfnDJgD8

— Chain Store Age (@ChainStoreAge) March 18, 2020

For more information on this latest move by Simon Property Group, take a look at their official website.

*The photos in this article are courtesy of Simon Property Group's Facebook page.

What are your thoughts on the temporary closure of all of the Simon malls? Sound off in the comments and let us know!