Local malls open up for business, but with safety protocols

Austin area businesses begin to reopen with precautions

While some businesses in the area are allowed to reopen, many are taking extra precautions to keep employees and customers safe during the pandemic.

AUSTIN, Texas - May 1 is the day Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said retail stores, movie theaters, restaurants, and malls can all open if they choose.

Simon, the group that owns the Domain, Lakeline Mall, Barton Creek Square, and both the Round Rock and San Marcos outlets said they are open for business.

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“The mall hours are now 11:00 am -7:00 pm Monday through Saturday and Noon to 6:00 pm on Sunday,” said Irma Castor, general manager at The Domain.

If you plan on heading to The Domain, expect a very different shopping experience.

“Anything that is a high touchpoint, the play areas, valet areas, the water fountains, those have been closed. Digital directories, those have been made dark. We've added signage at directories and throughout the property reminding our shoppers to keep a safe six-feet distance from each other,” said Castor.

They also encourage you to wear a face mask, wash hands as much as you can, and use any of the sanitizing stations spread throughout the property.

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You'll start to see many businesses around Austin begin to open, with precautions. But if you ask the city council, they have a different opinion.

“The consensus seems to be that it is too soon and it would have been better to wait a week or two at least so we can have more testing in place, more of that contact tracing in place. When the news went off about malls beginning to reopen, one of my teenagers got really excited. I had to say we're going to stay home right now,” said Kathie Tovo, who represents District 9.

Tovo said if you have to go out, wearing a mask is one of the best ways to keep everybody safe.

“The longer we can keep the virus from spreading the better off we will be. We never want to be in a position here in Austin where our healthcare system is overwhelmed,” said Tovo.

Tovo said the governor's order stands, but Austinites must stay vigilant.

“It continues to depend on our individual behaviors. As we reopen, if we are all using precautions: washing our hands, keeping a safe distance from other people, wearing a mask we can reopen in these phased ways,” she said.

FOX 7 Discussion: Analysis of plan to reopen Texas

Texas Democrats communications director Abhi Rahman and Travis County GOP chairman Matt Mackowiak join Marcel Clarke to discuss Abbott's plans to reopen Texas businesses this week.

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