Drusillas Park in Alfriston are preparing themselves for visitors after the announcement that zoos and safari parks will be able to reopen from next week.
Although staff are delighted, there are still a number of measures that will need to be put in place before they can open their doors safely.
Having been closed since March 20 with no income Managing Director Laurence Smith said it's the toughtest period the park has faced in his 22-year ownership.
Laurence said:
"We are delighted that zoos have been given the green light, but we now want to know when we can open our play areas and rides because that’s an important part of the family day out at Drusillas.
"So, we are anxiously waiting on news and clarification from government
on this."The other key factor is that we don’t want to rush our reopening and the staff training – which we think will take 4 or 5 days to properly communicate to everyone – because health and safety is absolutely paramount.
"We were originally intending to reopen on 4 th July but with the latest government news we are doing everything we possibly can to accommodate this change and welcome the public back.
"Once we receive the official guidance from the government which doesn’t come out until Saturday 13th we will be in a better position to make a firm decision about our reopening date.
"Rest assured we are chomping at the bit to open and will do so as soon as humanly possible with safety at the top of the considerations."
Staff said they have worked on risk assessments and control measures so that visitors can enjoy a family day out in a safe and secure environment.
This will include reopening with a reduced capacity, enhanced cleaning regimes, hygiene screens at counter tops, the encouragement of contactless payments and a dedicated staff member on touch points.
There will be a one-way route around the zoo with queue management, floor signage will also mark social distancing.
Drusillas plans to make all of their health and safety information available on their
website as soon as they have officially confirmed their reopening date.
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