BOSTON (AP) — Everyone entering a Massachusetts courthouse will be screened for COVID-19 when the buildings expand public access beginning July 13, the state’s high court said in an order issued Tuesday.
Entry will be limited to people attending in-person proceedings; conducting business with a clerk’s, register’s, or recorder’s office; meeting with probation; and conducting business at other open offices in the courthouses, the order said.
Courts will continue to conduct most business virtually, but the number of in-person proceedings will expand during a second phase beginning on Aug. 10.
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MORE CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS REOPENING
More of Massachusetts’ most popular cultural institutions are announcing their reopening plans.
The New England Aquarium in Boston announced Tuesday that it will reopen July 16 at 15% capacity, meaning only 240 visitors and staff will be permitted in the building at any one time.
Reservations are encouraged for timed visits, the aquarium said in a statement.
The facility will clean its high traffic areas more often, pedestrian traffic will be one way, and hand sanitization stations will be available. The shark and ray touch tank will be a “view only” experience.
Visitors, of course, will be required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
The aquarium has been preparing to reopen for months.
“We have spent a great deal of time on our reopening strategy to ensure we are creating a safe environment to fulfill our mission and an experience that people will love being a part of,” Vikki Spruill, president and chief executive of the aquarium, said in a statement.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston plans on reopening July 15, the museum said in a statement Monday.
To celebrate, admission will be free on that day, although reserved timed tickets will still be required.
Capacity will be limited and masks are required.
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