(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
- The Mall of America reopened Wednesday, but at a heavily reduced capacity.
- Only 150 of the mall's 500 outlets reopened.
- Read on to see how the nation's largest mall is handling reopening.
The Mall of America isn't up and running at maximum capacity, but customers are returning as the Bloomington, Minnesota-based shopping complex began the process of reopening some of its stores this week.
The mall, the largest in the US, reopened 150 of is 500 stores at reduced capacity Wednesday with recommendations for masks and preventative measures designed to social distance visitors and employees.
Meanwhile, Minnesota recorded another 352 COVID-19 cases Wednesday, according to state officials, and 19 more people died, according to the Star Tribune. Since the start of testing, 29,316 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
While states and businesses continue to reopen, experts warn about the potential risk of a second wave of COVID-19 cases if local hospital capacity is not managed and if widespread testing and contact tracing are not in place.
Even so, businesses and states are easing up on restrictions and aiming to get back on track as summer kicks into gear.
"With the safety and well-being of our guests, tenants, and staff at the forefront of our preparations, we are eager to welcome you back with some significant property enhancements," The Mall of America's website reads.
The mall's anticipated reopening was delayed after protests and unrest broke out nationwide, sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Star Tribune reported.
Read on to see what The Mall of America's reopening looked like.