MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Long lines wrapped around Wolfchase Galleria just before it reopened Saturday morning after being closed several weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mall has released a comprehensive COVID-19 Exposure Control Policy in order to keep shoppers safe in the coming weeks. Wolfchase Galleria's enhance safety procedures have been communicated to all tenants. Hand sanitizer and masks are being provided to customers. All employees must be tested before returning to work.
"The health, safety and well-being of the community we serve will always be our highest priority, and we have developed a thorough and detailed set of protocols highlighting the exceptional measures we've implemented for shoppers, retailers and employees as we reopen," said Charles Tarkington, General Manager at Wolfchase Galleria.
The property management team rigorously analyzed all aspects of the shopping experience and designed a complete set of safety protocols encompassing the following areas:
- Enhanced sanitization and disinfecting using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) approved products with an emphasis on high-traffic locations such as dining areas, restrooms, escalators, stairs, directories, trash bins and door knobs.
- Shopper safeguards that include making available protective masks, sanitizing wipes and temperature testing at entrances or property offices, as well as the encouragement of pre-visit health screenings to ensure shoppers stay home if they have exhibited COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms within 72 hours.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be deployed throughout the property.
- Signage promoting CDC guidelines for maintaining personal hygiene will be prominently displayed throughout the property.
- Pre-emptive employee health screening to ensure that employees do not arrive at work within 72 hours of exhibiting COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms.
- Employee safety protections including implementing the CDC's COVID-19 frequent hand-washing protocols, and offering personal protective equipment in addition to other CDC recommended practices.
- Promotion and enforcement of social distancing practices, including occupancy limitations, furniture and restroom spacing, closure of play areas and strollers, as well as coordinated traffic flow with traffic signage and distance markers.
"We also recognize that individuals and families in our community are suffering significant hardship as a result of both COVID-19 and the economic shutdown, and we believe that reopening our property will not only help people get back to work during these challenging times, but also enable us to use our property to further support charitable initiatives," Tarkington explained.
Local 24 News Reporter Caitlin McCarthy will have more on this story tonight at 9 and 10.