National Blues Museum COVID – 19 Plan

Visitors

An inherent risk of exposure to respiratory illnesses such as 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. The National Blues Museum is running at a decreased capacity at only 5% of our daily admissions total with increased emphasis on being socially distant with timed intervals enforced.

We Are Asking for the Following: 

All guests and staff must wear a mask.

All visitors must follow social distancing guidelines (6ft apart).

We now require reservations for visits to the museum.

All visitors must provide their name, email, and phone number for contact tracing.

Visitors who do not respect social distancing, contact tracing, or hand hygiene requirements may be refused service and asked to leave the site.

Upon Arrival and At the Reservation Portal, Visitors Will Be Asked to Answer A Health Screening Questionnaire When They Register For Tickets:

• Have you been tested for COVID-19?
• Are you awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test?
• Do you have any symptoms of respiratory illness (the symptoms should be listed on the questionnaire)?
• Have you been in contact within the last two weeks with an individual or individuals with COVID symptoms?

If the visitor is experiencing symptoms or has had close contact with an individual with a diagnosis the visitor should not visit.

What to Expect:

• The front area will be clearly marked for appropriate physical distancing. Including entrances, box office, security screening area, exhibits, and interactives.
• Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the museum at stations spread across the exhibit space. 
• The museum will continue to clean and sanitize the museum and maintain a controlled environment for all visitors. 
• Plexi screens are up at the box office as a barrier between staff and visitor.

Facility

The frequency of air filter replacement and HVAC system cleaning will be increased to maximize fresh air exchange.

Doors will be open to allow air to flow and for the limited touching of doors.

Public water fountains and bathrooms are disabled and a sign clearly indicating.

The 6th street-facing office will be closed to the general public with access allowed only to staff, board members, and select vendors.

All hard and high touch surfaces should be fully cleaned and disinfected with EPA-approved virucidal cleaners, and on a high-frequency basis (at least twice daily) in all frequent use areas, including elevator buttons, public restroom sinks, toilet handles, touchpoints, seating area furniture, keyboards, and keys, push/pull bars, all welcome desk areas, and entrances and any other surfaces or areas that may apply.

Staff Training Will Include the Following:

• Give additional training to all cleaning staff. Staff should know how to: put on, wear, and remove face coverings appropriately
• Put on and remove disposable gloves safely
• Use disinfectants according to manufacturer directions
• Disinfect all high-touch surfaces, including door handles, toilet and faucet handles, light switches, remote controls, ice and vending machines, and elevator buttons
• Recognize and report the signs and symptoms of illness
• Physical distancing requirements

This is an unprecedented challenge for our city and our institution. The team at the National Blues Museum has committed to the slow and steady implementation of plans that we have developed with input from our trusted partners and information from trust sources. We will continue to implement tactics with the health and safety of our staff, visitors, and the community in mind while heartily the need for flexibility as circumstances change.

We hope to see you soon!