One of the Gloucester’s biggest tourist attractions has reopened but there are some new rules that you need to follow.
Gloucester Cathedral in College Green was forced to close during the lockdown.
But the attraction, which usually attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year from around the world according to its website, has introduced some new steps to keep visitors safe.
The new measures include limiting the number of visitors at any one time to help with social distancing, keeping certain elements of the Cathedral closed to prevent close contact and introducing a one-way system as well as a number of other measures.
What will be different when I visit the cathedral?
At the start of the month the cathedral reopened for worship before then welcoming general visitors back too. However on its website, Gloucester Cathedral has warned anyone who is feeling unwell to avoid visiting the venue.
Along with their reopening, the Cathedral has introduced the following measures:
- Shortening our opening hours: The Cathedral is open to all visitors from 10.00am to 5.00pm.
- Limiting capacity to allow for physical distancing: At peak times, this may mean queuing to get into the Cathedral. Signage encourages visitors to maintain a two-metre distance between themselves and others
- Using a one-way system throughout the Cathedral to prevent close contact. Clearly marked signs and floor marking will show visitors where to go.
- Closing confined spaces, to prevent close contact
- Providing hand sanitising stations on entry and throughout the Cathedral
- Maintaining high standards of hygiene and increasing our regular cleaning patterns
- Checking and recording the temperature of all front of house staff at the start of their shift
- Partially closing the toilets to allow for physical distancing. One easy access toilet with a baby change table will remain open. Temporary toilets will also be available in Cathedral Green.
- Keeping doors open throughout the building to maintain good airflow and to reduce contact surfaces
- The Monk’s Kitchen is open and providing a delicious, contact free takeaway service .
- The Cathedral Gift Shop is open and ready to help you find those treasured momentos of your visit to the Cathedral.
If you feel unwell, please do not come to the Cathedral. Stay home and follow NHS guidelines.
