While some retailers have modified their hours and others, such as athletic retailer Foot Locker and high-end clothier Ralph Lauren, have closed all U.S. stores in response to the coronavirus, the two malls in the Mahoning Valley, likewise, are trying to cope with the outbreak.

Southern Park Mall in Boardman temporarily has modified its hours of operation, its owner / operator, Columbus-based Washington Prime Group announced Tuesday.

Eastwood Mall in Niles will remain open as normal, but has rearranged the configuration of the food court into more of a common area and less of a dining area to comply with the state’s order closing restaurants and bars.

SOUTHERN PARK

Kim Green, spokeswoman for Washington Prime, said the new hours until further notice are noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The move shaves an hour from the open time daily and two hours from the close time Monday through Saturday.

Some retailers at the U.S. Route 224 complex have chosen to modify hours or close temporarily.

“Our modified hours are intended to strike a balance between allowing our communities to receive the goods, services and employment needed, while also enabling our teams to implement disinfectant and cleaning practices each evening, in addition to the already rigorous cleanings happening throughout the day,” Green wrote in an email Tuesday.

In addition, Washington Prime is offering its centers to local, state and federal agencies battling COVID-19 to use, for example, as distribution centers for medical supplies or other items the community might need.

The company has locations in 30 states.

Green said the company expects all restaurant tenants at Southern Park to “adhere and comply” with Gov. Mike DeWine’s order to remove dine-in service and encourages guests to support those restaurants by using carry-out or delivery options.

EASTWOOD

The mall will continue to operate under normal business hours — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, said Joe Bell, spokesman for the mall’s owner / operator, the Cafaro Company.

Nor has there been any discussion relative to adjusting hours or closing, Bell said. Here, some retailers have chosen to modify their hours or close temporarily.

“Foot traffic is down a little bit, but nothing extraordinary,” Bell said. “People are still coming and shopping and doing their business, but it hasn’t had a drastic impact.”

“One thing we did do based on guidance from the state health department, we removed tables (from the food court) so there is more distance between them. So, technically it becomes more of a common area than a dining or seating area.”

The food court at Eastwood has five restaurants. The U.S. Route 422 complex has 35 restaurants.

Bell said Cafaro Company’s operations department developed a plan early to increase the frequency of cleaning public areas, including the children’s play area near JCPenney that the mall “has always been very conscientious about cleaning.”