Cathedral announces raft of safety measures as visitors set to return
ONE of the county’s biggest tourist attractions has reopened but there are some new rules that visitors need to follow.
Gloucester Cathedral in College Green was forced to close during the lockdown.
But the attraction, which usually welcomes more than 300,000 visitors each year from around the world, according to its website, has introduced some new steps to keep the public safe.
The new measures include limiting the number of visitors at any one time to help with social distancing, keeping certain elements of the cathedral closed to prevent close contact and introducing a one-way system, as well as a number of other changes.
At the start of the month the cathedral reopened for worship before welcoming general visitors back, too. However on its website, Gloucester Cathedral has warned anyone who is feeling unwell to avoid visiting the venue.
As part of its reopening, the cathedral has introduced the following measures:
Shortening opening hours: The cathedral is open to all visitors from 10am to 5pm
Limiting capacity to allow for physical distancing: At peak times, this may mean queuing to get into the cathedral. Signage encourages visitors to maintain a two-metre distance between themselves and others
Using a one-way system throughout the cathedral to prevent close contact. Clearly marked signs and floor marking will show visitors where to go
Closing confined spaces, to prevent close contact
Providing hand sanitising stations on entry and throughout the cathedral
Maintaining high standards of hygiene and increasing regular cleaning patterns
Checking and recording the temperature of all front-of-house staff at the start of their shift
Partially closing the toilets to allow for physical distancing. One easy access toilet with a baby change table will remain open. Temporary toilets will also be available in Cathedral Green.
Keeping doors open throughout the building to maintain good airflow and to reduce contact surfaces.
The Monk’s Kitchen is providing a contact-free takeaway service, while the Cathedral Gift Shop is also open again.
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