SUDBURY -- Malls in our region are getting set to reopen Friday after the COVID-19 pandemic slammed the doors shut for the last three months.

Mall officials say retailers will be opening on a store-to-store basis. We talked to an official at the New Sudbury Centre about getting ready to reopen and the COVID-19 precautions that have been put in place.

"We have a multitude of different safety precautions and other initiatives that have been implemented," said Brenda Folz, marketing director at the New Sudbury Centre. "So we have a lot more cleaning protocols that are in place, reduced hours, reduced capacity in our washrooms. We have eliminated some of our rental services."

We asked shoppers how they feel about the mall and more services being open.

"I am really proud of us Sudbury for sticking together, throughout all of this difficult time," said Sudbury resident Meagan Doherty. "And I think that if we are careful and practise social distancing and follow the guidelines, that we will be able to get through this and back in one piece with perfect hair and nails in no time," she added with a chuckle.

Another shopper hopes people don't get lax about pandemic precautions.

"I think it's absolutely wonderful," said Sudbury resident Lynne Desbiens. "I said to someone not very long ago, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. But just as long as everyone is as cautious as they are now. I don't want to see that lessen.

The food court will be open on a take out only basis, with the seating area sealed off. The mall will also be operating on reduced hours.

"The reduced hours will allow us to do a cleaning protocol prior to opening every day," Folz said. "Additional hand sanitizers are in place, additional disinfectants are being used."

Officials at the New Sudbury Centre say they looking forward to welcoming customers back with a new slogan, 'New Days, New Ways, in an effort to help keep customers, staff and the community safe.