Shedd Aquarium to reopen July 3

The Shedd Aquarium is reopening.

Members and sponsors will be allowed in beginning July 1. The general public will be allowed back July 3.

New safety measures will include limited and timed admission, social distancing, required face coverings for everyone age 2 and up, circulation paths to encourage one-directional flow, and hand washing and sanitation stations.

The aquarium will be temporarily pausing experiences such as the 4-D theatee and aquatic presentations to reduce large gatherings and groups.

The aquarium has called back 120 of its furloughed staff members.

The Shedd has been closed since March. While it was closed, penguins were occasionally allowed to roam the exhibits to check out other creatures, video of which was blasted out on aquarium social media accounts.

The reopening comes as the city and state enter Phase 4 of their pandemic reopening plans.