BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — After a pretty lonely year, the animals at the New England Aquarium welcomed the public back with outstretched fins and flippers this week.
Seals, penguins, fish and other marine animals greeted visitors back inside on Friday, under strict COVID-19 rules and restrictions.
In order to maintain social distancing and reduce touching of surfaces, the Aquarium said some exhibits have been closed, including the Science of Sharks and the Edge of the Sea Touch Tank.
"We have been extremely vigilant about our safety protocols," President and CEO of the Aquarium Vikki Spruill said. "We're a science-based organization."
Since there are capacity restrictions in place, Spruill said the public will have to reserve a time slot to visit the aquarium during the pandemic.
Masks are also mandatory for all staff and guests, and there will be a one-way flow throughout the exhibits to ensure social distancing.
WBZ NewsRadio's Mike Macklin reports:
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Written by Brit Smith
(Photo: Mike Macklin/WBZ NewsRadio)