Following the rise of Covid cases in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced that it will lower its visitor capacity, along with other restrictions.
New York City was one of the hardest-hit places when Covid-19 peaked in the United States both in 2020 and mid-2021. Now, with the Omicron variant of the virus, cases are once again rising in the city. Coinciding with the holiday season, the city’s labs have been struggling to provide adequate testing to the citizens.
Right now, all museums in the USA require vaccination and masks-upon-entry. However, the Met has decided to take additional precautions. Apart from lower visitors, the internal dining area has also been closed off. The precautions will be effective from Thursday. In 2020, when Covid first peaked in the US, the Met was the first major musuem to close off.
In a statement, the museum said: “Please prepare for longer lines and wait times outside the Museum. We apologize for any inconvenience. The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and staff is our first priority.” In separate statements, the spokespeople of the museum re-iterated the same. However, there is no indication of the closure of the museum.
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As the Covid wave returns in the Americas and Europe, many art museums have started to close off or take additional precautions. Earlier this week, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced that proof of vaccination will be required to enter most indoor spaces starting on January 15, including cinemas, concert venues, and museums.
