National Aquarium To Reopen To The Public On July 1

Nikki Gaskins
·2 min read

BALTIMORE, MD—Following its three-month closure due the coronavirus pandemic, the National Aquarium announced Tuesday it will reopen to the public on Wednesday, July 1.

In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and city officials, the Aquarium's initial reopening will include some changes aimed at minimizing the risk and spread of COVID-19.

Aquarium capacity will be limited to 25 percent occupancy at all times to allow for proper social distancing for both staff and guests, according to staff. This will be managed by timed ticket entry and all are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at aqua.org/tickets.

Other modifications put in place to promote safety at the Aquarium include:

  • All guests (ages 2 and over) and staff will be required to wear face coverings

  • All guests and staff will be temperature screened prior to entry

  • Guests will follow a one-way linear flow throughout the facility

  • Facility will be cleaned frequently throughout the day to limit contamination

Signage and staff members throughout our campus will help guide and reinforce these practices, encouraging social distancing and highlighting accessibility routes and other important messages.

Additionally, in appreciation for their service, local public health workers will now receive $5 off general admission adult tickets for themselves and other adult dependents in their party.

“We could not be more excited about welcoming everyone back to the Aquarium. With safety as our highest priority, we've made major modifications to our campus and operations, using the best medical science to ensure our guests will be safe and feel safe,” said John Racanelli, CEO of the National Aquarium. “The Aquarium has been a part of this city’s cultural fabric for nearly 40 years and the support our community has shown us over these past months is inspiring. It has reaffirmed our conviction that we will not merely survive this pandemic, we will renew our efforts to inspire a new generation of hopeful conservationists.”

During the Aquarium's temporary closure, staff continued to care for more than 20,000 animals who continue to thrive.

For more information regarding Aquarium modifications, visit aqua.org/visit/covid-response.

This article originally appeared on the Baltimore Patch