Woodfield Mall temporarily reduces hours

As a precaution against further spread of the coronavirus, Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg late Monday announced a temporary reduction in its hours that will take effect Tuesday.

Until further notice, Woodfield will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, according to a post on its website.

Mall officials also emphasized that the operating hours of individual stores could vary. Restaurants throughout the state have already been shut down on the orders of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Kristie Purner of Medinah, who works at a jewelry store at Woodfield, said she's been hoping for a two- to four-week shutdown to keep anxious employees and shoppers safe.

But she believes that step may be too big for her employer because rent will still be owed unless mall owner Simon Property Group orders the shutdown.

"Simon or the governor needs to pull the trigger," Purner said.

Purner said it was apparent that COVID-19 was on the minds of shoppers who came in to her store Saturday, such as one who tentatively held out a ring due for resizing by its edge to minimize contact with the employee taking it. Some shoppers have even walked in to the store just to use the hand sanitizer.

Though the crowds in the general area of the mall were obviously reduced late last week, the kids' play area still seemed to be in full use, she added.