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Government Relations & Public Policy

NY: Malls allowed to reopen with enhanced HVAC filtration systems

July 10, 2020

Earlier this week the Cuomo Administration announced that malls in regions of New York State that are currently in Phase 4 can reopen today if they have implemented an enhanced Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) filtration system and follow proper ventilation protocols. As of July 8, seven of New York’s 10 regions are in the fourth and theoretically final phase of a four-phase reopening process following the statewide coronavirus lockdown; three are in the third phase, including New York City, which was upgraded on July 6.

HVAC systems will be required to include filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of at least 11 or higher. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at removing particles from the air. Other ventilation protocols accompany the MERV 11 rating and include increased outdoor air, reduced air circulation, longer system run times and frequent filter checks.

Previously New York was the sole hold out for reopening malls. ICSC urged the Cuomo Administration to reconsider the delay and members sent hundreds of emails to the New York Assembly in support of reopening, just as public spaces such as museums, offices, and other forms of indoor retail had been allowed to do.