Bath's famous Roman Baths re-open to visitors after lockdown restrictions are eased

The Roman Baths, one of the country's most popular tourist attractions, has re-opened after introducing social distancing and other measures to keep visitors safe during Covid-19.

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The attraction has met Government and tourist industry guidelines and can now welcome visitors again. The changes include:

• Reduced number of visitors so people can social distance throughout the site

• People will have to pre-book, including for Discovery Card and Annual Pass Holders.

• No group visits

• Protective screens on the reception desk and PPE for staff

• All staff trained in physical distancing and hygiene protocols

• A new one-way route will operate throughout the museum

• Staff in place at key points to ensure visitor flow and physical distancing.

• Plenty of hand sanitisation stations available along the route

• Increased cleaning regime

• One-in, One-out system for toilet facilities

• New dedicated Wednesday morning sessions will be available for visitors with additional access needs.

From Monday 6 July, opening hours will be 10am-5pm with the last entry at 4pm to allow staff safer travel times to work. Wednesday mornings from 10am-11.30am will be reserved for visitors with additional accessibility needs.

Find out more about visiting the Roman Baths

It will mean the museum will only be able to welcome 30% of its normal capacity and there will be no group visits until at least two months after opening.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services at Bath and North East Somerset Counci says: "It is fantastic news for residents and visitors that the Roman Baths can open its doors once again and we are looking forward to welcoming people back. However, we must continue to do all we can to prevent the spread of Covid-19 at the same time as providing a great visitor experience.

"Although we have to reduce the number of people we can safely admit at any one time, and unfortunately cannot yet accommodate groups, our ‘new normal’ at the Roman Baths should not detract from people’s enjoyment of this internationally-renowned heritage site."

Cllr Crossley says it is important to get the city open for business again but it will be a phased re-opening to make sure it is done properly.

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