Mote Aquarium to Welcome Guests Back Beginning June 5, 2020

 Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium announced that Mote Aquarium will reopen to the public with controlled capacity and timed entry on June 5, 2020. Mote Members have been invited to member preview days on June 3 and 4. Mote Aquarium has been closed to the public since March 16 for the wellbeing and safety of staff, volunteers, and guests amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Members of the media are invited to attend a media and influencer preview on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Media will be able to see changes to Mote Aquarium operations (outlined below) to enhance the safety of all Mote staff and guests. Mote staff will be available for interviews. 

Tuesday June 2, 2020
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – To ensure proper social distancing guidelines, media will be asked to stagger arrival time once RSVP is confirmed
Please RSVP to Mote’s Public Relations Manager, Stephannie Kettle, skettle@mote.org, 941.302.4997
Members of media will be required to wear a CDC-recommended mask/face covering while on Mote property.
 
Guests returning to Mote Aquarium can expect a variety of changes that ensure a commitment to safety for all.Face Coverings – Mote Aquarium visitors over age 5 and all Mote personnel will be required to wear CDC-recommended masks/face coverings to limit the spread of disease.If a guest arrives to the Aquarium without a mask, a disposable mask will be provided to them.
Controlled Capacity – In accordance with guidelines set forth by the Governor of Florida, Mote Aquarium will operate below current statewide capacity requirements. 
Timed Ticket Required – In order to accommodate controlled capacity, Mote Aquarium will use a timed entry system. Each operating hour will have a limited number of tickets allocated for sale/reservation. Guests will be required to purchase tickets online that will only allow for entrance during a certain hour of the day.
Mote Members will be required to reserve a time online for their entrance. Mote Members will receive instructions from Mote via email and Mote’s website.
Limited Contact – In an effort to protect Mote guests and staff, many aspects of operations have been redesigned to limit contact.Admission sales will be limited to online only.
Mote’s gift shop and the Deep Sea Diner, which will reopen alongside the Aquarium, will be limited to cashless transactions and operate with other health safety protocols.
High-touch experiences like the animal touch habitats, hurricane wind simulator, and virtual reality experience are closed until further notice.
Social Distancing – Several aspects of Mote Aquarium operations have been adjusted in an effort to adhere to CDC recommendations for social distancingMote Aquarium entrance has been remodeled, and directional signage and reminders for social distancing have been posted.
Parties are asked to be no larger than 10 and guests are asked to remain at least 6 feet apart from those not in their party.
Mote Aquarium presentations and narrations are closed to avoid congregation.
All Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium staff are practicing social distancing, reducing movement around the facility to what is necessary for operation only.
Health & Sanitation – Mote has committed to even higher standards of cleanliness around the Aquarium and entire facilityMote asks that guests who are not feeling well should please remain at home.
All Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium staff members are required to perform a temperature check upon arrival at work. Any staff who arrive at work with a temperature at or above 100.4°F, will be required to leave Mote property until such time that that individuals’ temperature can consistently be tested at a level below 100.4°F.
We have increased the frequency of disinfecting surfaces in and around the Aquarium.
Additional hand sanitizing stations have been installed around the Aquarium and in behind-the-scenes staff areas, and will be continuously monitored for refilling needs. 
All areas accessible to members of the public have undergone measures to enhance both air circulation and filtration. These measures include air flow enhancement, UV treatment, and increased filtration.