Mote Aquarium in Sarasota to reopen after COVID-19 shutdown. There will be some new rules

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota will be welcoming back the public on June 5, but there will be a few new rules amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Closed since March 16 due to the pandemic, visitors can return under specific conditions that include:

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommended face masks will be required for all guests over the age of 5. It is preferred that you have your own, but the aquarium will provide a disposable mask.
• Mote will keep capacity within recommended guidelines from the state.
• Timed tickets are required. Mote will use a timed entry system and each operating hour will have a limited number of tickets allocated for sale.
• All tickets must be purchased online so tickets can be timed to meet current standards. Guests will only be allowed to enter under the time provided on the ticket.
• Social distancing will be required while in the facilities, which includes the Deep Sea Diner and gift shop, which also will reopen June 5.
• High-touch experiences such as the animal touch habitats, hurricane wind simulator and virtual reality experience will remain closed until further notice.
• Parties are asked to be no larger than 10 people.
• Mote presentations and narrations also will remain closed to prevent large congregations.
• Guests are encouraged not to come if they are feeling ill. Mote staff members are temperature checked upon arriving at work. Any guest or staff member with a temperature above 100.4 will be required to leave.
• Additional hand sanitizing stations have been added and Mote has taken enhanced measures to disinfect the facilities, including air circulation and filtration.

For more information or to inquire about tickets, visit mote.org.

This story was originally published May 28, 2020 at 11:34 AM.