Via Flickr /leonmmelissa/
On Sunday, March 15, Missouri Governor Mike Parson urged St. Louisans to cancel or postpone public gatherings of 50 people or more to slow down the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Later that day, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson and St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page announced a ban of gatherings with 50 or more people, effective immediately. As the number of presumptive positive coronavirus cases in Missouri has increased, 25 area school districts have announced they'll close until April 3. To further help prevent the spread of COVID-19, many St. Louis institutions have announced temporary closures.
Update, April 10, 3:25 p.m.:
As of Saturday, March 21, Missouri Governor Mike Parson issued a ban of gatherings larger than 10 people. Since Monday, March 23, the St. Louis area has undergone a "stay-at-home" order, prohibiting people to go outside their homes other than for necessary measures. The state of Missouri followed suit on Monday, April 6. The stay-at-home order will extend through Friday, April 24, although the date is subject to change. Here is an updated list of St. Louis institutions that have announced temporary closures:
- Saint Louis Zoo is temporarily closed until further notice. All educational programs have also been canceled through at least April 22. The Zoo will revaluate its plans to reopen as this date draws closer.
- Saint Louis Science Center is closed until further notice. Guests who have purchased tickets can receive a full refund.
- St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is temporarily closed until further notice. Tickets will be valid for 90 days from the original visit date, although you can exchange tickets to a later date. According to the release, "The St. Louis Wheel, Ropes Course, Mirror Maze, and Union Station restaurants will remain open for now as they do not have the same 50-person social gathering issues."
- City Museum is temporarily closed to encourage social distancing amongst its employees. Daily tickets and memberships sold are valid through December 2021.
- Six Flags St. Louis is temporarily closed until mid-May. The amusement park will re-evaluate the decision to remain closed as that date approaches.
- Grant's Farm will temporarily close until further notice.
- The Magic House will temporarily close until further notice and will continue to evaluate the situation as the public learns more about COVID-19. On Facebook and Instagram, families can engage in activities though its new series, Magic At Home.
- Pulitzer Arts Foundation announced in a letter from director Cara Starke that the museum will close and postpone all events until further notice.
- Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design will close through April 22, although that is subject to change.
- Kranzberg Arts Foundation will cancel all public events until at least May 11 including The Grandel Theatre, The Marcelle, The Kranzberg Studio & Black Box, .ZACK Theatre, High Low's Listening Room, and Sophie's Artist Lounge.
- St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will postpone concerts and events scheduled through May 10, although that is subject to change with the release of new information about COVID-19. Audience members are encouraged to keep their tickets as the performances will be rescheduled.
- Enterprise Center will postpone events scheduled through July 13, although it is up to the performer whether the concert is postponed or cancelled.
- Sheldon Concert Hall will postpone and cancel events through May 10. Whether the performance is canceled or postponed will depend on the musical artist/group.
- St. Louis County Library will close all locations until further notice. Patrons are asked to hold on to any materials at home until the library reopens.
- The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis will cancel all performances and events through the end of the season, April 12. Dreaming Zenzile will be postponed to a future date.
- Stifel Theatre will postpone events through May 17. Sesame Street Live, TD Jakes, The Color Purple, Variety Children's Charity featuring Steely Dan, The Spongebob Musical, and Mother's Day Soul Jam are canceled, but audience members can receive refunds at the original point of purchase.
- Saint Louis Art Museum will close to the public until further notice. Ticket holders to exhibits and other programs will be refunded automatically.
- The Fox Theatre will postpone all performances through April 30 and theatre tours are cancelled through June 7, until further notice.
- Missouri Historical Society will close all three of its locations, the Missouri History Museum, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, and the Library & Research Center, to the public until further notice.
- Contemporary Art Museum will close on Wednesday, March 18 and remain closed until further notice.
- Missouri Botanical Garden will close indefinitely including the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, Shaw Nature Reserve, Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, and the Little Shop Around the Corner.
- The Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, and Riverboats have temporarily suspended operations. The park grounds remain open. Those who have pre-purchased tram ride to the Top will receive full refunds. Those who purchased riverboat tickets will also receive full refunds. For questions regarding ticketing, please call 877-982-1410 or email info@gatewayarch.com.
This story will be updated.
