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Additional Reopening Information: Alternative Programming, Staff Precautions, and Plans

  • Post Date: 09/17/2020
  • Author: Seetha Ramaswamy, IT student
  • Reading Time: 4 minute read

Since mid-March 2020, the Spurlock Museum has been closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that instruction at the University of Illinois has resumed (although largely in virtual format), the Spurlock reopened in a reduced capacity on September 8, 2020 so that the Museum can continue to be a resource for students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

Our reopening plan is detailed in our Covid-19 Information page. In addition to our visitor guidelines and cleaning/safety procedures explained there, we also wanted to highlight some of our other plans for operations and what our staff have been doing, and will continue to do, to stay safe.

The Spurlock is following all updated University of Illinois protocols (external link), monitoring State and CDC guidance, and planning to update our policies and plans as needed.

Alternative Programming

We hope that those who cannot come in person will enjoy our virtual programs and remote offerings. Our events and programs are only online until further notice. We’ll be using Zoom, Facebook (external link) video, and other platforms to connect with you safely. Visit our Events page for listings. Also, make sure to check out our previous blog post on Spurlock Resources to Explore During Shelter-in-Place.

Staff

Our staff have been working hard to stay safe and to maintain the safety of the building. Here are some of the things we have been doing.

  • All employees are abiding by University COVID-19 policies (external link), which includes mask-wearing and frequent testing to maintain building access. Supervisors check during each work shift that their employees have access to the building by maintaining their COVID-19 testing schedule and receiving negative test results.
  • Staff are asked to stop and assess their health before entering the Museum each time. If experiencing any signs of ill health (even non-COVID related), employees contact their supervisor for guidance.
  • All supervisors of student staff and extra help workers are responsible for scheduling workers in a way that maintains safe practices, including no sharing of work spaces where proper distancing cannot be maintained. All work stations and protocols have been adjusted to allow for greater personal space and social distance.
  • All staff that can continue to work from home are encouraged to do so. Other staff are prepared to cover shifts for essential workers, like Security Guards, and Collections staff, if necessary. All staff are working on a staggered schedule.
  • Additionally, in the offices and behind-the-scenes areas of the Museum where visitors are not allowed, staff are maintaining strict cleaning and disinfecting policies. All staff working in the building clean/disinfect their areas at the end of each day. Shared equipment is disinfected between users (including keyboards, microwaves, refrigerators, tables, etc.).
  • No volunteers are allowed to work in the building as they cannot receive COVID-19 testing from the University.

Looking to the Future

  • We have been working to develop alternative methods for conveying information, including QR codes and audio tours that can be accessed from smart phones, as all interactive elements, flip books with exhibit information, and reusable educational materials have been removed.
  • We will potentially be developing packets that are single-use or materials that can be taken home.
  • Although extremely unlikely, should wait times to get into the Museum occur, we will reevaluate our protocols. Under these circumstances we may implement a system for all visitors to register in advance for a visitation time slot.

    • view of the bottom of an exhibit with two ceramic plates with explanations below
    • sign that says that touchable items from an interactive exhibit have been removed

    If possible, we hope to see you again in person, but no matter how you may choose to interact with the Museum, we hope that we can serve you as a resource. Please let us know if you questions or needs. You can continue to engage with us through our Facebook page (external link), Twitter (external link), and Instagram (external link).

    • view of the Spurlock Museum lobby with the information desk in the corner