As the UK eagerly awaits the next update regarding the COVID-19 restrictions, many countries throughout Europe are beginning to take a look at easing their own restrictions. Germany and Italy are leading the way, in terms of their efforts to reopen public spaces, including their museums. As the number of new cases begins to drop, we may begin to see museums reopen across Europe.
This month will see museums open in Czechia, Austria, Belgium and Spain with Iceland, Poland, Montenegro and Hungary opening theirs today. Many countries are taking the approach that, if managed well with the appropriate security and safety measures, there is no reason for museums to remain closed.
However, concerns have been raised over the premature opening of attractions and public spaces, potentially leading to a second wave of infections. Others, such as the UK and France, have remained more cautious, with no indication of likely dates for museums reopening.
Safety measures will be put into place for those museums reopening in the near future. Plexiglass shields for ticket collection, rules regarding guests wearing masks, and visitor number limitations, outlining how close guests can get to one another. Different time slots for the elderly, or children, are also under consideration. Other measures will also include the use of different entrances and exits and the use of hand sanitiser.
In March, Museums in Hong Kong began to reopen again, as the numbers of new cases in the city had dropped and the death toll had slowed. However, through relaxing social distancing rules and reopening public spaces, the city was hit by a second wave of the virus, in which the number of new cases doubled from 157 to 317. As a result, social distancing rules have been reintroduced, with museums shutting their doors once again.
Singapore had too, suffered a similar setback to Hong Kong, with a dramatic increase in new cases following the relaxation of rules, including two cases of museum staff testing positive for COVID-19. Both Hong Kong and Singapore looked to be an example for other countries, looking to successfully keep the virus at bay, whilst relaxing rules and allowing guests to experience the heritage and attractions of the country. This begs the question, is now the right time to reopen our museums?
As some countries see a resurgence of coronavirus, the rest of the world, where the initial number of infections is still rising, should be taking note. Experts have already expressed concerns of a second wave. As a result of the uncertainty regarding the virus, the scheduled dates for museums reopening are constantly changing. To view the current scheduled reopening dates for museums across Europe, you can click here.
