9/11 Memorial and Museum closes amid coronavirus pandemic
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Manhattan was shut down Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic — irking tourists who traveled thousands of miles to pay their respects at the site.
“In accordance with the guidance provided by our state and local governments regarding large public gatherings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are temporarily closed,” a sign next to a chained off entrance read.
The memorial’s closure came a day after Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered large venues in New York state shuttered and a ban on gatherings of more than 500 people.
A security guard at the 9/11 site called its closure a “preventative” measure — while out-of-towners griped about bad timing.
“I’m not mad, it’s just disappointing. They are protecting the public from coronavirus, but this is our only day in New York, so we’re upset,” said Joe Cazzato, 26, of the United Kingdom.
Rose Snowzell, a 32-year-old visitor from North Carolina, added, “This is really ill-timed.”
It wasn��t immediately clear when the attraction would reopen, but other Big Apple museums have announced they would be shuttered until March 31.
At least 325 people have been infected by the illness in New York state, including 95 in the five boroughs.
Meanwhile, other monuments such as the Statue of Liberty remained open as of Friday afternoon.