BILLINGS — Rimrock Mall will close for two weeks starting 7 p.m. Monday as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.
“It’s obviously the utmost priority for us to make sure that the community remains safe. Per our executives, in conversations with federal and local health agencies, they deemed it necessary to take the proper precautions and close for the time being," said Daron Olson, Rimrock Mall marketing manager Monday.
Mall officials said in a news release they are planning to reopen on April 6.
Some stores, such as Dillard's, have not closed because they are providing "essential services," mall officials said. The stores will provide updates on their hours on their own websites.
“Dillards at this point in time has decided to remain open. Their exterior entrances will be accessible to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sat and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays," Olson said.
Krispy Kreme, Blaze Pizza, Starbucks and Five On Black will all remain open for drive-through, carry-out and delivery because those restaurants have separate buildings from Rimrock Mall, Olson said.
Freefall Brewery, Audrey's Pizza Oven, Finn Brooks Monster Subs will remain open for the time being because those businesses have access that is not through common areas of the mall.
The mall had initially decided to cut back hours on March 16 and announced plans for a deep cleaning of all public spaces.
Yellowstone County has seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Monday night. Montana has 45 cases.
