Monterey Bay Aquarium closed because of the Coronavirus
MONTEREY (Calif.)
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has decided to join a rapidly growing number of venues and events to temporarily close in the face of the growing Coronavirus outbreak. The aquarium says the closure will continue until at least March 27th.
Here is a news release from the Aquarium staff addressing the decision:
Thursday, March 12, 2020; Monterey, Calif. – With the health and safety of our employees, volunteers and guests top of mind, and as a precautionary measure following the governor’s executive order cancelling large gatherings to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Monterey Bay Aquarium is temporarily closing as of 5:00 PM, PST March 12, 2020.
During this closure, a limited number of essential staff, including members of our security, facilities control room and animal care teams, will report to work as usual to maintain the building’s operation and maintain the welfare of our animals. This core team will continue to provide care for and operate the critical systems in the Aquarium.
Staff remaining on site have been advised of appropriate social distancing methods and have access to personal protective gear if necessary. We are asking all non-essential staff and volunteers to remain at home and implementing a remote work policy. All employees will be paid during this closure, regardless of their job responsibilities and ability to work remotely.
The Aquarium will remain closed to visitors through at least March 27, during which time we will take the opportunity to deep clean our facilities in accordance with CDC guidelines. We will remain in close coordination with the Monterey County Health Department throughout this closure and we will share updates as they develop.
We understand this closure is an inconvenience for visitors that have planned a trip to the Aquarium and we apologize. Our top priority is the health of our guests who come to be inspired by the ocean, as well as the staff who make the Aquarium work and the community that has welcomed us as a neighbor for 30 years.
We will work with all guests affected by this closure to reschedule their visit or refund the cost of their tickets. For inquiries about tickets, please call us at: 831-648-4800.
For more information, please follow our social media accounts and website for updates.
