The Vancouver Aquarium is reopening its doors Friday after it shut down for several weeks to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The attraction in Stanley Park will operate at 20 to 30 per cent of normal summer capacity to adhere to physical-distancing guidelines.
Also on Friday, the federal government announced $2 million in funding to support essential services the facility, including caring for animals.
Visitors will be required to reserve tickets online prior to their visit.
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The facility closed on March 17 as public health officials clamped down on large gatherings to slow the spread of the virus, raising concerns about its financial future.
The aquarium laid off 343 staff in an effort to cut costs, but its monthly operating expense remained in excess of $1 million, as the animals still needed care.
In April, the facility said it had raised about $625,000 in one week and launched a fundraiser with the Vancouver Whitecaps to sell non-medical masks bearing both organizations’ logos.
Stanley Park reopened to vehicle traffic on Monday.
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