U.S. Space & Rocket Center to close for three weeks

HUNTSVILLE –  The U.S. Space & Rocket Center said they will close the museum starting at 5 p.m. today for three weeks in response to the coronavirus.

“Our priority is to protect the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and employees,” a statement from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center said.  “Due to the ever-changing situation with the COVID-19 virus and out of an abundance of caution, the Rocket Center is closing the museum, Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. The museum will remain closed through Friday, April 3, to limit potential exposure of COVID-19 to visitors and staff. We will assess the current situation, Friday, March 27 and provide an updated statement at that time.”

At this time, Space Camp will remain open for the small number of students from the U.S. who are currently scheduled to attend.

“Center leadership and the nursing staff are closely monitoring the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation and are closely following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To reduce hardship on our valued employees, all staff members will be paid for their scheduled hours for the next two weeks,” the statement added.

“While we have no knowledge of a case of COVID-19 connected to Space Camp or the museum, we are taking the extreme measure of closing the museum to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our employees and our community in light of recommendations to limit social gathering.”