MERIDEN — Officials for Westfield, which operates malls in Meriden and Trumbull, announced plans to reopen the shopping centers on May 20. 

The malls have been closed since mid-March, when Gov. Ned Lamont issued an executive order to shut down malls and other centers with large indoor common areas in an attempt to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

According to a Westfield news release Monday, the malls will reopen with modified hours — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.

The malls will also institute required health and safety measures and “provide new services and amenities to address customer concerns during this initial recovery phase in the community,” the release said.

The new practices include more frequent cleaning of so-called high touch areas, including restrooms, dining areas and water fountains.

Mall operators will also monitor and control the number of customers entering and enforce new policies related to social distancing and face masks. 

The malls will also provide more hand sanitizer and handwashing stations and provide masks to customers and employees upon request, the release said.

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