Do you need to mask up at the mall? It depends where you’re shopping in South Florida
Now that the CDC says it’s OK for fully vaccinated people to not wear a mask in most places, some South Florida businesses are ending their mandates while others are keeping it for now.
But what about malls, filled with stores and restaurants that have different policies?
Here’s a guide:
Are masks still required at Simon Malls like Dadeland and Sawgrass Mills?
Masks or face shields are no longer required for fully vaccinated people at Simon malls in South Florida. They will still have to be worn for those who aren’t vaccinated.
That includes at Dadeland Mall, The Falls, Miami International Mall in Doral, and Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise. It also includes the Florida Keys Outlet Marketplace in Florida City and the Town Center at Boca Raton.
In mid-May, a Simon Malls spokesperson told the Miami Herald employees are required to wear masks. It is unclear if employee masks will still be required or if individual stores inside Simon malls will be enforcing their own mask policies, as other malls in the area are allowing.
Do you need to mask up at Dolphin Mall? What about at Sunset Place, Westland Mall and Aventura Mall?
Masks are recommended but not required inside Aventura Mall’s common areas. However, the mall’s stores and restaurants have their own mask policies, which means some places might require you to mask up before entering. Aventura Mall employees are also required to wear masks inside the mall.
Westland Mall in Hialeah is in the process of reviewing its mask policy. For now, masks are recommended but not required inside the mall’s common areas, a spokesman said. However, just like at Aventura, the mall’s stores and restaurants have their own mask policies, which means some places might still require masks.
Dolphin Mall in Sweetwater and Sunset Place in South Miami did not immediately respond to a request for their rules.
Bayside Marketplace, Lincoln Road and Merrick Park are outdoor malls. Do I still need a mask?
While masks used to be required at Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami, the rules are different now. It all depends on the policy of each business. Masks are still required at most retail stores but are optional at some restaurants, according to Bayside.
Lincoln Road in Miami Beach also has a similar policy. While you don’t need to wear a mask to walk along the strip, some of the stores and restaurants may require you to mask up. Others, like Starbucks, won’t. Unlike traditional malls, pedestrian-only Lincoln Road is a public city street.
Merrick Park in Coral Gables did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Are masks required at Brickell City Centre and Bal Harbour Shops?
Bal Harbour Shops said it will no longer require masks to be worn in common areas. However, stores and restaurants are allowed to have their own masks policies, so you’ll likely need to carry a mask with you, just in case you need it.
Brickell City Centre said masks are optional for those who are fully vaccinated, unless individual stores and restaurants are requiring they be worn. Although, it is still recommending people wear masks and social distance.
Are masks required at CityPlace Doral?
Those who are fully vaccinated are welcome to not use their masks at CityPlace Doral, but those who are not are encouraged to.
Apart from masks, CityPlace said it will continue to follow local and state guidelines. This includes using social distancing signage, cleaning and disinfecting the center and offering hand sanitizer stations.
This article was updated on 5/28.
This story was originally published May 18, 2021 at 11:25 AM.
