Sea Life Manchester is planning to reopen next week with safety measures in place.
In line with the easing of lockdown confirmed by the government on Tuesday, the Trafford attraction is among a number of businesses reopening from Saturday, July 4.
As well as feeding and caring for the creatures throughout lockdown, staff have worked to design and implement new measures to make the place safe.
The following changes will be made to Sea Life sites in Manchester, Blackpool and further afield.
- Online only bookings - Guests will now need to pre-book a specific time slot for their visit to ensure visitor numbers remain at a safe level throughout the day.
- Social distancing - Queues outside and inside the attraction, plus features such as talks from expert team members, will be carefully spaced for everyone’s safety. There may also be phased entrancing in place at certain points around the site to keep groups apart while also making sure everyone gets to meet every creature on display. Markers will be in place at most points on site to help make this simple.
- PPE - While you won’t need specific PPE in order to gain admission, Sea Life staff may be wearing appropriate items and clothing so they can work safely. Fixtures such as clear plastic screens at check-in desks and tills may also be in-place.
- Temperature checks - These will be in place at all entrances for guests and team members.
- Enhanced cleaning - Additional cleaning will take place throughout the day and hygiene stations and hand sanitiser will be available.
Craig Dunkerley, spokesperson for Sea Life, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming guests back to all of our Sea Life sites across England and Ireland and as ever, the health and safety of our visitors and staff remains our number one priority.
“Each site is utilising an extensive range of safety measures, designed to ensure a happy, safe and healthy experience for all. I’m sure that after the extended lockdown, many families, particularly with younger children, will be in real need of escapism, entertainment and a way of making happy new memories with those they love.
“I know our teams around the country – plus our site’s aquatic residents – are all looking forward to offering just that.”
As with any activity post-lockdown, Sea Life is asking all visitors to closely observe guidelines, maintain a safe distance from those outside their party and to keep up with good hygiene practices.
If they or any of their party displays any symptoms of Covid-19, they are asked to postpone their visit and to contact the site to change the date of their booking.
Full details of the measures in place for each Sea Life site are available online.
Tickets, from £13.50, can be booked here and there's 20% off for a limited time. Under threes go free.
