Spring Break plans in Prince George have taken another hit.
The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre will be closing to the public, as well as all childcare programs, for at least the next two weeks due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.
“This was not an easy choice to make,” CEO Tracy Calogheros says in a release.
“We are a science-centre and believe in evidence-based decision making. It is clear that the COVID-19 virus is highly contagious and in centres like ours it can spread exponentially, I simply cannot in good conscience ignore that risk.”
Families with children registered for March Break Camps or Birthday Parties will be issued a full refund for all fees.
An email will be issued soon with details about refunds.
Calogheros says staff wages will be covered for the next two weeks while waiting to see what will happen if there are any cases in the Prince George area.
“Although there is no known case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our region, our Board supports the management’s difficult decision to close the Exploration Place to help the community with the ‘social distancing’ that is necessary to slow the spread of the virus at this critical stage," Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees Shauna Harper adds in the release.
“This decision was not made lightly. We believe that this will help to safeguard the health and safety of our community, knowing that we are all in this together.”
The Museum adds they appreciate the understanding of our members and the general public.
“I realize what an inconvenience this will be for families, however I have a responsibility to the general public and to my staff and I believe it would be irresponsible to ignore the science. The mounting evidence that social distancing is the best way to flatten the curve of new infections is indisputable” Calogheros added.
“We must work together to ensure those of our family and neighbours who are most susceptible to this virus are both protected to the best of our ability and able to access the care they will need if they do become infected.”
"Stay Healthy Everyone! from the Staff and Board at The Museum. We look forward to seeing you all later this spring."
