UPDATE – June 3, 2020
Message from Executive Director, Rosanna Sharpe:
Dear Friends of the Museum:
The safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and visitors are always our highest priorities. We are mindful of concerns surrounding the COVID-19 health emergency and are committed to being responsive, following recommendations from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Benton Franklin Health District.
Please wear a mask and practice social distancing!
What is the REACH Museum doing
In light of the directives issued by the Governor’s office to limit the spread of COVID-19 and the guidance of public health officials to safeguard the health of our community, the museum will remain closed until further notice.
While we are closed, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to access information, educational activities, and other program content that has been created by our education team who want to keep you connected to our stories of the Mid-Columbia River.
The REACH Museum is a project of the Richland Public Facilities District and does not qualify for CARES Act funding. We rely heavily on donations given through the Reach Foundation which is a 501 c 3 that supports our education programs. Please consider giving a gift today by clicking HERE, or purchasing a membership for yourself, family member or someone special in your neighborhood HERE.
If you have paid for a ticket to one of the tours that have been canceled, please consider donating your ticket to the museum during this difficult time. We are also very happy to exchange your ticket for a future tour or offer you a refund upon request. Due to staffing limitations during the museum’s closure, it may take longer than usual to reply. Please contact us at info@visitthereach.org to let us know your preference.
We are closely monitoring the quickly changing situation and will announce any further program or operational changes through our website and social media.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support as we work together to help our community stay healthy and safe. We look forward to welcoming you back to The REACH Museum as soon as permitted.
What You Can Do
For the safety of everyone in our community, we ask that you:
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell and practice social distancing when out.
- Wash your hands. Do so often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If the opportunity for hand washing is not available, use hand sanitizers.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes. Hold a tissue over your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Throw that tissue away and, again, wash your hands.
- No handshakes or hugs, please. A wave is acceptable for greeting others.
It is strongly recommending that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:
- People 60 and older.
- People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
- People who have weakened immune systems.
- People who are pregnant.
We encourage you to stay informed and to follow the guidance provided by public health officials.
Here are some resources to learn more:
Take care and be safe! We hope to see you soon at The REACH!
Rosanna Sharpe
Executive Director
