Monterey Bay Aquarium requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID test; starts November 1st
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) As of November 1st, The Monterey Bay Aquarium is now requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for visitors 12 and older.
This requirement has led to some mixed feelings.
"I’m very for it. I think it’s a step in the right direction…. It serves as a safety barrier for the children that are already inside and are using the services of the aquarium,” said Melissa Ortiz, a tourist visiting from San Jose.
One Miami native believes in the science but feels it should be a personal choice.
"I understand it and I respect the businesses decision to do so as for vaccines, I’m a scientist and I do believe that they work that everyone should take them but I don’t like imposing things on people,” said Kabir.
Guests can show the original, copy or digital photo of the vaccine card or the California Smart Health card. On average, the aquarium will see about 2 million people per year. The aquarium says the decision was made to protect guests.
"Because we have so many families that come and visit the aquarium of course children under 12 are not able yet to get vaccinated, we want to make sure the have a safe environment as well as a safe environment for our staff, our volunteers and all our visitors," said David Rosenberg, Vice President of Guest Services at the aquarium.
One visitor from San Francisco who came to visit the aquarium today says she felt a lot safer knowing the policy was put in place.
"I had no idea today was the first, but I probably would not have come had it not been this policy. I think it’s incredible. I wish that this had started a year earlier,” said Jaclynne Roberts.
The aquarium did turn away people without a vaccine card or negative COVID-19, but feel it won't have an affect on business.
"We anticipate that actually our visitors will embrace it and that people will be very happy that we’re taking this step,” said Rosenberg.
For more information about the requirements, click here.
KION's Stephanie Aceves will have more at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the public's reaction to this new requirement.
