The New England Aquarium will reopen to the public next week with many safety measures in place to guard against the transmission of coronavirus.
Guests will be welcomed back into the aquarium on Thursday, July 16!
Among the changes to the visitor experience are increased hygiene protocols, social distancing measures, reduced capacity, and timed-ticket entry. Details include:
Enhanced cleaning efforts throughout the facility, particularly focused on high-traffic areas such as entryways, lobby, and elevators. Signage throughout the building will encourage handwashing and direct visitors to hand sanitizing stations.
Contactless entry. Visitors will be able to scan tickets themselves upon entering the building. Doors will be propped open or staffed to limit surface contact. Benches have been removed to avoid contact points, and there is a wider flow on the ramps and around exhibits.
One-way guest flow. Signage and floor markings will reinforce six-foot social distancing guidelines and help visitors easily navigate the new configuration safely.
Face coverings are required for everyone over 5 years of age and encouraged—per parental discretion—for those over age 2.
Limited number of people in the building daily. The aquarium will allow a set number of visitors into the facility every 20 minutes. While the state's Phase 3 guidelines allow for 40% of maximum permitted occupancy, the aquarium will initially reopen at just under 15% occupancy, which equals about 240 visitors plus staff at a given time. Visitors can purchase tickets by phone or online for timed entry. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Changes to vendor offerings. The gift shop will be open with one-way flow and limited capacity. The photo station is closed at this time, as is the café.
Certain aspects of the aquarium experience are limited for hygiene and social distancing reasons. The Shark and Ray Touch Tank will be a view-only experience. The Edge of the Sea Touch Tank and Science of Sharks exhibits are closed at this time, and all live presentations suspended. The Simons Theatre is also closed during the initial reopening period.
