MISHAWAKA, Ind.— Simon Property Group announced Wednesday that all of its retail properties in the United States will close at 7 p.m. local time and remain closed until March 29.

The closure is being done in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

University Park Mall, a Simon mall, is included in the retail properties subject to the closure.

All Simon malls, premium outlets, and mills in the U.S. are impacted by the closure.

"The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees is of paramount importance and we are taking this step to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," said David Simon, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Simon said in a press release.

A representative for University Park Mall said the mall did not have an individual statement regarding Simon's decision to close all retail properties.

It is unclear how the Simon closure will impact stores with exterior entrances. 

By Wednesday morning, many national retailers located inside of University Park Mall had already announced temporary closures of their individual stores, including Macy’s, Bath and Body Works, and Victoria’s Secret.

Simon also owns Lighthouse Premium Outlets in Michigan City.