Sea you at The Deep, then!

TOURIST ATTRACTION TO RE-OPEN NEXT WEEK

THE Deep will finally reopen next week after spending much of the last year closed to the public.

Hull’s biggest attraction, less than an hour’s drive to the north Humber bank, has spent months without any income despite daily costs of keeping the aquarium going running costing thousands of pounds each day.

The venue closed its doors when lockdown was initially announced but managed to reopen last summer. However, when the national coronavirus lockdown came into force on November 5 it has remain closed ever since.

But The Deep will open once more on May 17 when further lockdown measures will be eased.

On the website, it says: “We are excited to announce that we will be opening our doors on Monday, May 17.

“After a difficult year we are ready to welcome everyone back reconnect with the amazing species who call The Deep home and enjoy a ‘fintastic’ day out.

“Our crew have been working hard to prepare for reopening and welcoming everyone back, so here is a reminder of how things will work to ensure we adhere to current Government guidelines:

“All visitors will need to book a date and a time slot for their visit, this includes Day Plus Pass holders. The Deep will be extending all valid Day Plus Passes by the amount of time the aquarium has been closed by. This includes passes from the first closure in March 2020.” Opening times will be from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm at weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. Last entry will

be at 5pm.There will be certain Covid rules will be in place to keep visitors and staff safe.

■ ■Will visitor numbers be limited? Yes, the Deep will be restricting the number of visitors every day to ensure the building remains safe and social distancing guidelines can be adhered to. All tickets will have to be booked and you will be able to choose a timeslot for your arrival. ■ ■How will visitors be expected to navigate the venue?

There will be a one-way system in place to try and ensure the is social distancing

■ ■Will all the usual events be on? The Deep’s daily schedule will be amended to ensure a safe visit for everyone. To avoid crowds gathering staff will be unable to present the feeds, touch pools and dive shows which will be suspended for now. However, guiding teams will be delivering talks throughout the day about the animals and the conservation work carried out.

■ ■Will face coverings need to be worn?

As per Government guidance, face coverings are mandatory within indoor attractions. Please bring one on your visit if you are required to wear one. The shop will be selling face coverings if needed.

■ ■Can I wear a visor/shield instead of a covering/mask? Government guidance says: “A face visor or shield may be worn in addition to a face covering but not instead of one.

This is because face visors or shields do not adequately cover the nose and mouth, and do not filter airborne particles.”

■ ■Will there be hand sanitiser?

Yes. Hand sanitiser stations will be placed throughout the building. ■ ■Will the play area be open?

Unfortunately, the play area will remain closed and will instead provide additional sanitising stations for visitors.

■ ■Will I need to register for Track and Trace for my visit?

All visitors over the age of 16 will be required to scan the NHS QR code using their NHS COVID-19 app, or provide their name and contact details.