The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) has partly reopen to the public on Wednesday, 12 May after the most recent closure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Flatts area attraction shut its doors on March 29 after an increase in coronavirus cases on the island and will resume operation in two phases.
The aquarium hall, museum, gardens and the Shop at BAMZ opened to visitors on Wednesday, and the zoo will follow a few weeks later, depending on the case numbers at that time.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is responsible for the attraction, said: “We wish to thank our patrons for their patience as we navigate the challenges associated with the pandemic to keep our staff healthy and by extension ensure the continued care for our animal collections.”
BAMZ will be open from 9am and the last admission would be at 4pm. The maximum occupancy permitted in the aquarium hall, at any time, is 20 persons.
Covid-19 regulations will require visitors – except for children under the age of two – to wear face masks inside, in covered areas and in animal exhibits.
Visitors are asked to fill out a contact tracing form at the front desk on arrival. They will also be required to disinfect their hands before entry and use social distancing.
Requirements may change based on guidance from the Government of Bermuda, so visitors should take note of the protocols posted at the front entrance.
The Hon. Walter Roban JP MP, the Minister of Home Affairs, said he was happy to have BAMZ open again. Minister Roban said: “I am grateful to everyone who has been doing their part to stay safe during this time.
“I would also like to recognise the dedicated BAMZ staff, who continued to care for all the animals in the facility while it was closed to the public.”
People can sign up for visits online at https://tinyurl.com/mybamzentry.
Only visiting groups of under ten people will be accepted into the facility at a time, and they must all be members of the same household. Those who do not sign-up in advance may have to wait briefly, if necessary, to provide adequate physical distancing between people, especially in the Aquarium Hall.
A reservation is not required for a visit to the Shop at BAMZ; guests are welcome to stop by and browse the new range of books and toys available.
The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to remind the public that each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app. Do the research, talk with your doctor, and make an informed decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.