Updated COVID-19 protocols at Museum of the Earth

Updated COVID-19 safety protocols at Museum of the Earth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

7/1/2021

(ITHACA, NY) As New York State recently reached a 70% vaccination rate, businesses are now able to lift most restrictions safely. This means that visitors to the Museum who can provide proof of vaccination are no longer required to wear a face mask during their visit. However, those who cannot provide proof of vaccination, or those who cannot yet be vaccinated, must continue to wear a face mask to protect themselves and others. 

The Museum will continue to be open during the hours of Friday–Monday, 10 am– 5 pm, and will continue selling tickets online. However, visitors are no longer required to purchase online tickets in advance, but the option exists should they wish to. Masks will still be required for visitors who would like to participate in Friday tours, “Journey Through Time” and “Daring to Dig”, as well as programs in the Museum Classroom. Because indoor programs in the Museum may have small children participating who cannot yet be vaccinated and visitors will close to each other, masks must continue to be worn for both public tours and classroom programs to ensure a safe environment for all participants. The Museum will no longer be closed for cleaning from 12–1 pm, but cleaning will be completed at the end of each day. Other updated safety protocols are as follows:

  • Eating and drinking is permitted only in designated areas of the Museum, both indoor and outdoor. Picnic tables and chairs will be provided to visitors outside in the Gorge Garden and outside the Museum entrance. Indoor seating will be next to the visitor service desk at the front entrance of the Museum. 

  • The Fossil Lab will reopen beginning on Friday, July 2,2021. Bins will be spaced apart and suggested occupancy of one family at a time is recommended.

  • The Dino Zone remains closed at this time. 

Museum of the Earth has also lifted occupancy restrictions for rentals:

  • Proof of vaccination will be required for guests to remove their masks, and individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated will be required to wear a mask. 

  • Catering at events will still be required to wear a mask. DJ and entertainment staff will be required to wear a mask unless proof of vaccination is shown. 

  • All additional security requirements have been lifted. 

While new weddings can now be booked, the Museum will not be holding birthday parties at this time. 

We look forward to welcoming guests this summer and appreciate the support of our community in continuing to keep each other safe. 

About the Paleontological Research Institution

The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) pursues and integrates education and research, and interprets the history and systems of the Earth and its life, to increase knowledge, educate society, and encourage wise stewardship of the Earth. PRI and its two public venues for education, the Museum of the Earth and the Cayuga Nature Center, are separate from, but formally affiliated with Cornell University, and interact closely with numerous University departments in research, teaching, and public outreach. 

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