Like most of the FMN folks, we're awaiting a return to "normal" operations. Prior to closing for the pandemic, the San Antonio Fire Museum conducted once-weekly "deep cleaning" of public spaces. "Spot cleaning" was done throughout the week as necessary, especially to surfaces in the Museum Store, restrooms, children's educational toys, try-on bunker gear, books, etc. It could come to pass that local authorities might want to see a new written plan regarding how a museum will address everything from guest and staff "social distancing" to display space sanitization before granting permission to reopen.
The CDC is developing new guidelines for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing areas. They also list Antimicrobial products (originally for use in schools) useful for killing flu virus on hard surfaces. Sanitizing supplies are difficult to find in useful quantities at the moment. There are alternatives, such as UV light systems, solution misting/fogging systems (GenEon), modified paint sprayers, etc. All of those may have drawbacks in a museum environment filled with various metal objects, textiles, photos, documents, etc. Does everything on display in a museum now become off-limits to touch? Will everything on display now have to behind glass? How often will "deep cleaning" of "everything and everywhere" be required? Should everyone at the Museum wear a mask? Gloves? Haz-Mat suits? (OK. Just kidding...maybe.)
If anyone is developing a museum cleaning/operations protocol for COVID-19, please share your thoughts. Thanks! Frank Walsh, Deb Walsh, & Lee Zalesky - Collections Management Group, SAFM, San Antonio, TX.
The The Institute of Museum and Library Services, and a host of other organizations sent out this email announcement today: Research Partnership to Inform Safe Handling of Collections, Reopening Practices for Libraries, Museums https://www.imls.gov/news/covid-19-research-partnership-inform-safe-handling-collections-reopening-practices-libraries
While no specific recommendations, the industry leaders are thinking about, and researching the topic. . . . so bottom line - stay tuned.