NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The Bronx, Central Park, Prospect Park and Queens zoos, as well as the New York Aquarium, plan to reopen this month after being closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) said Thursday that it hopes to reopen the zoos and aquarium on Friday, July 24.
Special preview days for WCS members will be held from July 20 to July 23, the WCS said.
The parks all closed back on March 16, when coronavirus cases were surging in the Tri-State.
The facilities would reopen days after New York City qualifies to enter Phase 4 of its reopening on Monday, July 20.
“Reopening plans will be adjusted if needed based on state guidelines and COVID-19 indicators,” the WCS said in a statement.
There are, however, new guidelines and safety protocols in place for people visiting the zoos and aquarium.
The measures include enhanced sanitation and safety protocols; the enforcement of social distancing by limiting the number of visitors; the creation of one-way paths in certain areas; and the incorporation of contact-less interactions. All staff and visitors must also wear face coverings (ages 3 and up) and sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the park.
More information about the reopenings can be found on the WCS website.