Simon Group adjusting face mask rules for 13 Massachusetts shopping malls

Simon Group adjusting face mask rules for 13 Massachusetts shopping malls

The largest shopping mall operator in the United States, which owns 13 locations in Massachusetts, is adjusting its face mask rules.Simon Property Group, which has shopping centers, malls and retail properties in 37 states and Puerto Rico, said Friday in locations where there is no state or local jurisdictional mask mandate, visitors who are fully vaccinated may enter without a face mask or face shield. “If you are not fully vaccinated, please wear a mask,” Simon said.Massachusetts will drop its face mask mandate for fully-vaccinated people on May 29, which will bring the state in line with current guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Non-vaccinated individuals in Massachusetts will be advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings, which is also in line with the CDC’s guidance.”I think people are misinterpreting, thinking that this is a removal of a mask mandate for everyone. It’s not,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.”In terms of the honor system, people have to be honest with themselves. You’re protected if you’re vaccinated, you’re not if you’re not vaccinated,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle WalenskySimon Property Group currently owns the following shopping centers, malls and retail properties in Massachusetts: Auburn MallBurlington MallCape Cod Mall in HyannisCopley Place in BostonLee Premium OutletsLiberty Tree Mall in DanversLiberty Tree Strip in DanversNorthshore Mall in PeabodySolomon Pond Mall in MarlboroughSouth Shore Plaza in BraintreeSquare One Mall in SaugusThe Shops at Chestnut HillWrentham Village Premium OutletsMassachusetts vaccination progress

The largest shopping mall operator in the United States, which owns 13 locations in Massachusetts, is adjusting its face mask rules.

Simon Property Group, which has shopping centers, malls and retail properties in 37 states and Puerto Rico, said Friday in locations where there is no state or local jurisdictional mask mandate, visitors who are fully vaccinated may enter without a face mask or face shield.

“If you are not fully vaccinated, please wear a mask,” Simon said.

Massachusetts will drop its face mask mandate for fully-vaccinated people on May 29, which will bring the state in line with current guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Non-vaccinated individuals in Massachusetts will be advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings, which is also in line with the CDC’s guidance.

“I think people are misinterpreting, thinking that this is a removal of a mask mandate for everyone. It’s not,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

“In terms of the honor system, people have to be honest with themselves. You’re protected if you’re vaccinated, you’re not if you’re not vaccinated,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky

Simon Property Group currently owns the following shopping centers, malls and retail properties in Massachusetts:

  • Auburn Mall
  • Burlington Mall
  • Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis
  • Copley Place in Boston
  • Lee Premium Outlets
  • Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers
  • Liberty Tree Strip in Danvers
  • Northshore Mall in Peabody
  • Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough
  • South Shore Plaza in Braintree
  • Square One Mall in Saugus
  • The Shops at Chestnut Hill
  • Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

Massachusetts vaccination progress