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DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac Area History Museum is moving forward with a gradual reopening plan that will begin this week.

Starting Tuesday until June 27, the museum will be open for museum members during its normal hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday. On June 30, the museum will open fully to the public.

The museum will be following protocols designed by the city of Dowagiac to minimize the risks of COVID-19 to staff, volunteers and patrons. The following guidelines must be followed by visitors:

• Masks required at entry and worn in the museum when near people outside of your immediate party.
• Visitors will have a quick temperature check and answer a few questions checking for COVID symptoms. Visitors who are visibly ill will not be admitted.
• Only 15 patrons will be allowed in the building at one time to 15 to allow for plenty of social distancing.

The museum will also have additional hand sanitizer stations on the floors, staff will perform additional cleaning, and most interactive exhibits will be temporarily removed.