Preparations for the Big Clean

It is exciting to think that next week the Museum will reopen to visitors. The staff are keen to get back into Alma, and to some sort of normality. Of course, things are not going to be the same for quite a while and we will have to get used to operating differently. Our 'new normal.'

This week we all return to Alma. We have volunteered to undertake a deep clean of the building before we open our doors on 4 July. Jaycloths at the ready and mops poised for action, we have a cleaning schedule to rival no other. Although the Museum has been closed for the past three months, we will work our way from top to bottom to ensure we can provide a safe and hygienic environment for both staff and visitors.



Part of my furloughed time has been performing statutory duties for the Museum. This has included writing a comprehensive risk assessment for reopening to the public. No stone unturned, from a regular daily cleaning schedule to comprehensive signage to ensure social distancing, I have consulted with the staff team and trustees plus looked at guidance from DCMS and Public Health England to make sure everything is covered. Next week, the risk assessment will be double and triple checked before being uploaded onto our website for visitors to consult before visiting.

Our world has changed and how we operate has changed too. For at least the next month we will be opening to the public with just two members of staff, one working on the desk and the second providing the support needed to ensure we can provide a safe environment for all. Any additional activity will have to be put on hold for a while, until we can work out how we can run the Museum effectively and safely. Extra members of staff will be furloughed 'on and off' through the flexible Job Retention scheme, enabling us to manage our finances to the best of our ability. For heritage and arts organisations, there are difficult times ahead as we reopen our doors to welcome the public. What we hope is that the public feel confident enough to visit us safely, and support us through the rest of the summer season.



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