Your health and safety are important to us and we are continuing to monitor the development of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) nationally and regionally.
The Berks History Center currently employs standard cleaning procedures and has enhanced those efforts with daily disinfecting of common areas, taking extra precautions to wipe down doors, doorknobs, faucets, light switches, research tables, and other surfaces several times a day. We have also stressed that if any member of the BHC team becomes ill, they need to stay at home.
At this time, we do plan to hold our Votes for Women Second Saturday event, scheduled for this Saturday, March 14th at 10am.
HOWEVER, if you are sick, have a cough or fever, have traveled outside of the U.S. or to locations where there are confirmed cases of the virus, have any health conditions that might make you susceptible to illness or are considered high-risk, we ask that you please stay home.
We encourage you to limit handshakes, hugs and close contact with one another while attending our events. We also ask that both visitors and staff practice the everyday actions that help to prevent the spread of an illness, which include the following:
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. Do not sneeze into your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not available, use a 60% or higher alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g. countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes)
Posters have been placed in common areas to remind everyone of these important guidelines.
Following this Saturday’s program, the Berks History Center has decided to cancel or postpone large public events through the end of April, which includes the Justice Bell program on March 28th, Berks History Center’s annual Berks History Conference on April 4th, our Volunteer Luncheon on April 7th . Other small events will be determined on a case by case basis.
For now, the museum and research library will continue to operate as normal.
We will communicate any updates through our website, social media, and email. If you are registered and pre-paid for one of our upcoming programs, you can request a full refund.
In keeping with guidance provided by the CDC, American Alliance of Museums, and our peer institutions within the region, these decisions were made to ensure the health and safety of our community.
Thank you for your continued support of the Berks History Center.
