THNOC to Require Proof of Vaccine, Negative PCR Test of Public

 

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 31, The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) will require all on-site visitors to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from the last 72 hours prior to their arrival. The nonprofit history museum, research center and publisher has chosen to voluntarily implement the policy, which many of its neighboring French Quarter businesses have been required to enforce via city mandates.

“This institutional decision is made for the health and safety of both our staff and our visitors,” said THNOC President and CEO Daniel Hammer. “The Delta variant has shown us that this pandemic is far from over, and I am committed to taking actions that can help all of us move forward.”

The new policy will apply to any non-employee—including visitors to the museum and research center, customers at the museum shop and café, vendors and contractors as well as THNOC donors, board members, interns and fellows—visiting any of THNOC’s properties. In addition, a mandatory vaccination policy is also in place for the organization’s staff.

Like many organizations, THNOC closed its physical spaces in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic, embracing digital services instead. Through its virtual exhibitions and events, remote research operations and new original books on a host of local interests, the organization developed thousands of new followers and connections. In-person activities resumed in June 2020 yet were frequently interrupted by the threat of hurricanes and surges in COVID-19 cases. Throughout this time THNOC has consistently required masks in all indoor spaces, timed admission, enforced social distancing and adjusted its visitor experiences to maximize public safety.

The full scope of THNOC’s COVID-19 safety protocols is available at www.hnoc.org/visit. At this time, visitors to the museum galleries are urged to book tickets online in advance, and anyone interested in doing research at THNOC’s archive is required to schedule an appointment by calling (504) 523-4662 or by emailing reference@hnoc.org. Admission to THNOC is free.

 

 

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