The King of Prussia Mall instructed retail outlets to close Saturday as part of the coronavirus mitigation efforts enacted by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. A note posted to the mall's website notes that all non-essential retail outlets should close. The state's Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores have also been shut down in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties.
Simon Property Group, the operator of King of Prussia Mall, indicated on its website Friday that the shopping destination will not close despite recommendations by Pennsylvania officials to stem the spread of coronavirus in Montgomery County.
“With respect to Governor Wolf’s statement, the Governor did not mandate store closures and did not define what nonessential retail is,” a statement from mall management said.
On Thursday, the Gov. Tom Wolf's administration implemented strict guidelines and restrictions in Montgomery County, where Pennsylvania has recorded its highest total of COVID-19 cases. The governor joined county commissioner Valerie Arkoosh in urging the closure of all businesses other than gas stations, grocery stores and pharmacies.
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The King of Prussia Mall is home to more than 450 stores and 30 eateries.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will comply with any federal, state or local government requirements as they arise," mall management said in the statement according to Patch.
Other nearby malls, including the Willow Grove Park Mall and the Plymouth Meeting Mall, both announced they would temporarily close during the health crisis.
State liquor stores, operated by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, will remain open, the PLCB said Friday.
While the orders from Wolf are not mandatory, the administration is strongly urging businesses to close temporarily to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.