(WWJ) In the latest sector of public life to close for the coronavirus outbreak, Somerset Collection in Troy announced Wednesday afternoon it had made the decision to temporarily close, starting today at 7 p.m.
The mall will remain closed through at least March 27.
Full-service restaurants are remaining open for carry-out curbside service.
This is the first local mall to shutter, however it comes after the massive Mall of America temporarily shut down to try to contain the spread of coronavirus. Nearby in metro Detroit, Fairland Town Center closed today for cleaning after a customer at the theater later reported testing positive for coronavirus. Officials said early today that Fairlane is expected to reopen tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Target, Kroger, Walmart, and Aldi have reduced hours though public officials continue to stress there is no danger of shutting pharmacies or grocery stores so there's no need to hoard goods and food. Some have introduced special early morning hours just for senior citizens, who are most vulnerable to coronavirus.
Locally, the Big Three are expected to shut down factories today, and all local bars and restaurants -- and public schools -- are under a state mandate to stay closed. The goal is to stem a tide of new coronavirus patients, who could overwhelm the medical system. Studies show the virus is highly contagious person-to-person and can live on surfaces for days.
Michigan has 80 cases, under limited testing, and experienced its first coronavirus death Wednesday when a Wayne County man in his 50s died at Beaumont Hospital.
"The overwhelming majority of our retail partners have closed worldwide," Somerset announced. "Together, we are putting the safety and well-being of our guests and our employees first. We respect Michigan Governor Whitmer's leadership and decision to further enhance community mitigation by reducing public gathering. We are committed to bringing you the finest shopping, but today we want to bring everyone peace of mind. Somerset Collection looks forward to the opportunity to welcome you back."
