Get a Glimpse of What the Lufkin Mall Looked Like During COVID

It's hard to believe that it's been six years since everything turned upside down due to COVID-19. Masks were required, social distancing became a thing, you couldn't eat in restaurants, and so much more. The biggest eye-opener to me was when the Lufkin Mall starting closing stores.

Walking Into the Lufkin Mall During COVID

It was May 2020, and I was still working for the radio station. To be honest, I don't remember exactly what I was looking for that day, but I wound up at the Lufkin Mall. I'm sure that I had gone to different stores looking for something specific, and when I couldn't find whatever it was, I went to the mall looking to find it there.

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When I walked in the doors, I noticed that multiple stores were closed. Not like they were closed for good, but the lights were all off, and the barricades were down. Some of them had signs announcing the closure measures.

Other Restrictions That Were Enacted at the Mall During COVID

Aside from the stores being closed, all of the kids' attractions had been restricted. There were tarps over the animal scooters, the trampolines had been made unavailable, and the play area had been roped off, and signs had been posted about it being closed due to health and safety concerns. The massage chairs in the middle of the aisles had tarps placed over them, with signs very similar to the ones on the play area. There was even a notice posted that mall walking wasn't permitted. The people that normally walked through for exercise weren't allowed to do that.

READ MORE: The Worst Intersection in All of Deep East Texas Might Be in Lufkin

It was an unreal time for everyone, and Deep East Texas wasn't an exception to it. I'm glad I took the opportunity to snap some pictures of what it was like, not because it was a good time, but to remind me of what it was like. Now, I get the chance to share them with you guys. Take a look below: