Miami Seaquarium says it’s closing again because of Florida’s coronavirus increase
After a week of being open, the Miami Seaquarium is closing again Monday because of the increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Florida, according to the attraction’s management.
The Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway on Virginia Key, reopened at limited capacity on June 20 after being closed for more than three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. New social distancing requirements similar to those of theme parks were put in place, including face coverings and temperature checks to reduce the risk of the novel coronavirus spread. But its reopening was short-lived.
“In response to the recent and continued increase in positive COVID-19 tests locally and statewide, Miami Seaquarium has decided to temporarily close beginning Monday, June 29,” according to a statement on its website. The health and safety of our Guests, Team Members and the animals in our care is our top priority. ... We believe using an abundance of caution and proactively closing is the best choice for our community at this time.”
The Seaquarium’s closure follows a weekend of record-breaking newly confirmed cases in Florida with daily totals surpassing 8,000. On Saturday, the state saw 9,585 cases, the highest single-day total announced since the pandemic began. Miami-Dade County also broke a single-day record Sunday, with 2,152 new cases announced.
The Seaquarium says it has not had any known or suspected positive COVID-19 cases yet and is working to determine a potential reopening date.
This story was originally published June 29, 2020 at 10:39 AM.
