The New York Hall of Science to Temporarily Close Beginning March 14
(Updated on April 6) March 13, 2020 – Over the last weeks, we have been closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and following the lead of our elected officials and public health experts. To help limit the spread of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) to the public beginning March 14 through April 29 in accordance with the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order. We will continue to provide updates on the situation as it develops.
As of this writing, we have NOT heard that any team member or recent visitor has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and we do not have any reason to believe there has been an exposure risk at the museum, or from any visitor or team member.
Scientists and researchers are vital in the fight to control the spread of this disease. NYSCI has an important role to play in nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers. Therefore, our staff will continue this work behind-the-scenes during the closure.
Knowledge and understanding helps make the unfamiliar less frightening in moments like this. To that end, we have developed learning materials focused on viruses and disease transmission that help people understand the science behind these topics. In response to the current pandemic, our staff rapidly created an exhibition about viruses and COVID-19 and made it freely available to science centers around the world to help them provide accurate, helpful information to their audiences during this time.
In addition, our interactive online graphic novel for middle school students, Transmissions: Gone Viral, is available to view free on our website. The graphic novel explores the subject of zoonotic diseases – diseases like COVID-19 – that can be spread from animals to humans. We encourage teachers, parents and caregivers to use Transmissions: Gone Viral to create a science learning moment out of the current situation. We have also uploaded more at-home activities for all grade levels on our NYSCI At Home Resources page.
As always, the health and safety of our visitors and employees is our highest priority. We encourage everyone to be careful, follow guidelines regarding hygiene and social distancing that will help protect you and those around you, and be kind and supportive to each other. As Americans, and New Yorkers, let’s continue to demonstrate to the world the collective strength we possess when we are united in our purpose.
We look forward to providing opportunities for science learning at the museum again very soon.
Sincerely,
Margaret Honey
President & CEO, New York Hall of Science
Julie Cleverdon
Dear Sir/Madam
I am the Director of the Cape Town Science Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. We would also like to mount a mini-exhibition. However due to lack of resources we will have to go for a very basic information stand (library style) with a few simple interactive items if possible. We were wondering if you would be able to share any ideas for our mini-exhibition? Happy to engage via Google Hangout or any other manner.
Warm regards
Julie
+27 83 276 9501
Lauren Parikhal
Hello Julie, we would be happy to freely share our COVID-19 exhibit for your science center. Please get in touch with us by sending an email to COVIDexh@nysci.org!
Tara
Thank you! This resource looks wonderful. I am a public librarian (children) and looking for resources to remotely share with our patrons.
Be well,
Tara
blaine newcomb
Urgent! Can an n95 mask be cut up into sections that can be secured in 3d printed disposable mask filters in a 3d printed mask? This way one n95 mask could protect many more people than it presently does. Ideally the 3d printed mask would protect the eyes, nose and mouth and could be open sourced. Also, perhaps the mask filters could be sterilized and used again for a maximum allowable number of times. The key component of the n95 mask is melt-blown fabric and the supply is very limited. More n95 masks are not expected to be coming soon. The best alternative may be to cut up existing n95 masks and use the cut up pieces as disposable or sterilizable filters which could be secured in 3d printed masks and disposable filter units, or existing masks with disposable filters that could accommodate a 3d printed retrofit with a section of an n95 mask secured in the retrofit.
Selena Young
The Hall Of Science is closed because of the coved 19 virus. There have no cases of any one who visited the museum has come down with the. Virus. There health and safety of there employees is there highest priority . They want us to stay away from each other and be kind to each other .
Irma
Right here is the perfect site for everyone who really wants to understand this topic.
You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa).
You definitely put a new spin on a subject which has been written about for years.
Wonderful stuff, just excellent.