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UK museums share updates on latest closures over COVID-19

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The Tate, V&A, National Portrait Gallery, British Museum, NHM and Science Museum have released statements on the latest closures caused by COVID-19.

UK attractions, including theme parks, museums and zoos, are closing their doors once again ahead of the latest national lockdown in response to COVID-19.

“In line with the latest guidance, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives are preparing to close from Thursday 5 November to Wednesday 2 December,” reads a statement from Tate.

“Chila Kumari Singh Burman’s transformation of Tate Britain’s exterior will be unveiled as planned on 14 November to coincide with Diwali,” said Tate.

“The upcoming Zanele Muholi and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye exhibitions will now begin when Tate Modern and Tate Britain reopen.”

The V&A, which is closing from November 5, said: “2020 has been a difficult year for us all and it is, of course, a sad moment when we close our doors.

“We hope to welcome you again in early December.”

Museums in UK temporarily close by November 5

COVID-19 case numbers are rising rapidly across the UK. In light of this, the government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close by November 5.

This includes theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos and arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, concert halls, and zoos and aquariums.

“In accordance with government advice, the British Museum plans to close at 17.00 on Wednesday 4 November,” wrote the British Museum.

“The health and safety of our staff and visitors remains our absolute priority. We hope we’ll be able to reopen in early December and welcome visitors back to the museum.”

Museums, theme parks and other attractions in France, Germany, Belgium and Italy have also been ordered to close as the latest wave of COVID-19 hits Europe.

“We’re closed from Thursday 5 November,” said the Natural History Museum. “We hope to reopen in early December.”

COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly across the UK

The Science Museum is closing from November 5 through December 3 and said: “We can’t wait to welcome you back this December.”

“Following the recent government announcement, we are preparing to close to the public at 6pm on Wednesday 4 November until 2 December 2020,” said the Science Museum.

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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