Smithsonian closing museums and zoo again amid virus spike
WASHINGTON โ In response to rising COVID-19 infection numbers, the Smithsonian Institution is indefinitely shutting down operations at all its facilities, effective Monday and affecting seven museums, plus the National Zoo. The Smithsonian said in a statement that its โtop priority is to protect the health and safety of its visitors and staff.โ No reopening date is scheduled. The decision comes at a time of rising speculation over whether the District of Columbia will tighten virus restrictions in the face of a nationwide spike. Since then, Smithsonian officials have gradually opened up other facilities, including the National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of African-American History and Culture. "Due to the changing nature of the situation, we are not announcing a reopening date at this time," the Smithsonian said in its statement.