Beyond MoCo: National Aquarium to Require Proof of Vaccination Beginning January 25

Beginning January 25, individuals 12 and older will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination before entering the National Aquarium at 501 E Pratt St in Baltimore.

Per the National Aquarium:

Proof of Vaccination Required for Guests Ages 12 and Older

Beginning January 25, guests ages 12 and older are required to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 before entering the Aquarium.* Any vaccine that has been approved by the World Health Organization will be accepted under this policy, including Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson. Full vaccination means guests have received a full dosage of an approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to the date of scheduled visitation to the Aquarium.

The Aquarium will accept the original, a copy or a digital photo of the CDC vaccination card or similar document from another state, local, or foreign government. Additionally, one of the following forms of digital vaccine card will be accepted:

• Clear App – A free app that provides users with a digital vaccine card including verification using a government-issued ID
• MyIR Mobile – Maryland residents can view and print their official vaccination records through this free state portal. This app also supports residents of the following areas and allows you to print a copy of your vaccination card or transfer the data to your mobile wallet as a QR Code: Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Washington, West Virginia and Puerto Rico
• Excelsior Pass – Similar to MyIR for NY residents
• Mobile Phone Wallet – A variety of apps including the options listed above allow for storage of vaccine records in phone wallets

Guests ages 18 and older will also be asked to provide a photo ID alongside their vaccine record.

Since October 2021, a vaccine policy for Aquarium staff and volunteers has also been in place. While the Aquarium is not required to implement these safety policies, we are committed to following the latest science and acting responsibly to protect the health and safety of our guests, staff and volunteers.

* For guests who have either a medical or religious exemption, a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours will be accepted. Accepted tests can be either lab-run polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or rapid antigen tests. At-home tests will NOT be accepted.

At-Home Health Checks

We ask that guests monitor their health and not visit the Aquarium if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms and/or have a temperature above 100.4 F.

Face Coverings

In response to COVID-19, the National Aquarium requires that everyone over the age of two (2) years old wear a face covering at all times while inside the Aquarium.

Exception: children ages two (2) to five (5) where the wearing of a face covering is not feasible.

Face coverings must cover the nose and mouth, be secured with ties or ear loops and fit snugly against the face. Acceptable examples include surgical masks and cloth face masks (either purchased or handmade).

A supply of complimentary surgical masks are on hand for those who arrive without a proper face covering.

Guests who fail to comply with these safety measures will be promptly removed from the Aquarium.

Staff & Cleaning Protocols

In addition to guest protocols, extra precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of all staff and volunteers. Staff are required to monitor their health and not report to work if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms and/or have a temperature above 100.4 F.

High-traffic areas are frequently cleaned throughout the day to help safeguard against contamination.