ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — All shopping malls and bowling alleys must shut down by 8 p.m. tomorrow until further notice, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Twitter this afternoon.
Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey are joining New York in the sweeping multi-state shutdown, which also includes amusement parks.
"Together we will reduce density and slow the spread of #Coronavirus," Cuomo said.
Shopping malls including the Walden Galleria and Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls had modified their hours this week but remained open.
The declaration comes two days after the state ordered the shut down of all movie theatres, gyms and casinos until further notice. All dine-in service at restaurants and bars is also suspended. Only take-out and delivery service is available.
For a growing list of locally-owned restaurants offering take-out service during the shutdown, check out our Open For Business section.
Pyramid Management Group, which owns the Walden Galleria, issued a statement Wednesday evening stating effective 8 p.m. Thursday in accordance with the governor's orders, all interior portions of its New York shopping centers will close.
“We are in unprecedented times and understand the direction from New York State is the result of the presence of the Coronavirus in the communities we serve,” said Stephen Congel, chief executive officer, Pyramid Management Group. “We respect the decision to further enhance community mitigation and reduce density for the greater good of our community, tenants, guests and employees.”
Pyramid says tenants like Dick's Sporting Goods and Best Buy that have dedicated exterior entrances will have the capability to remain open following the required protocols.
