200630 Aquarium

200630 Aquarium
James Neiss/staff photographer
Niagara Falls, NY - This Harbour Seal only cars about enjoying the warm sunny day. Staff at the Aquarium of Niagara however, have prepared the facility for Phase 4 of the NY Forward reopening plan and will open their doors to the public this Saturday.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Christine Streich
Subject: Aquarium of Niagara Sets Public Reopening Date
Date: June 26, 2020 at 4:25:20 PM EDT
To: Christine Streich




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aquarium Announces Official Reopening Date
Cultural Institution To Reopen In Phase 4

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.; June 26, 2020— The Aquarium of Niagara is preparing to end its COVID-19 -related closure the week of June 29, 2020 as part of Phase 4 of the NY Forward reopening plan.

The Aquarium will officially open to the general public on Saturday, July 4, 2020 at the summer operating hours of 9am to 9pm.

In compliance with New York State guidelines, the Aquarium will reopen at 25% capacity for both staff and visitors as soon as Governor Andrew Cuomo announces that Western New York is able to enter Phase 4.

If that happens before July 4th, the Aquarium will host a "soft opening" for Aquarium members and frontline workers in the days leading up to our official reopening.

“After more than 100 days of being closed, you can feel the enthusiasm building as we accelerate into reopening,” said Gary Siddall, Executive Director of the Aquarium of Niagara. “Our organization has walked through this period of affliction and uncertainty with triumph and resilience, and we are now poised to take on the next chapter of reopening with excitement and optimism.”

In order to track and limit visitor traffic, the Aquarium is using a timed ticketing system and strongly encourages guests to purchase general admission passes online ahead of their visit.

A limited number of walkup passes will be available for Aquarium members as well as those seeking to purchase reduced admission passes. This includes visitors using reciprocal benefits from other institutions (ex. Buffalo Zoo members), the military discount, coupons, and the Arts Access Pass.

All guests over the age of two are required to wear masks for the duration of their visit. We ask that visitors follow a one-way directional flow of traffic, remain with their household or group, and limit one group per exhibit. For a full list of what the Aquarium of Niagara is doing to keep visitors safe, please click here.

During the initial phase of reopening, the Aquarium will not be offering access to interactive exhibits, shows, presentations, or animal encounters.

The safety of our guests, staff, and animal collection is the Aquarium’s top priority during the reopening process. Preliminary research shows that fish, amphibians, birds, and reptiles are not at risk for contracting COVID-19, and marine mammals, like the Aquarium’s seals and sea lions are at very low risk of contracting the disease. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets or livestock, can spread COVID-19 infection to people.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

By visiting the Aquarium of Niagara, guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

About the Aquarium of Niagara
The Aquarium of Niagara is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. With our community and our partners, we celebrate our natural wonders and inspire people to make a difference for aquatic life. We are home to more than 120 different species, including ten rescued and non-releasable marine mammals. The Aquarium is open daily at 9:00am year around, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. For more information about the Aquarium of Niagara visit http://www.aquariumofniagara.org.

###

Media Contact:
Christine Streich, Aquarium of Niagara
(716) 390-9020
cstreich@aquariumofniagara.org


--
CHRISTINE STREICH│DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA
701 Whirlpool Street│Niagara Falls, NY 14301
OFFICE 716.286.9479│ CELL 716.390.9020 │ cstreich@aquariumofniagara.org




http://www.aquariumofniagara.org