The State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) of China issued guidelines on February 27 for the reopening of museums and cultural relics institutions during the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control period. According to the guidelines, all the museums and cultural cites should strictly implement the measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. They should formulate implementation rules and emergency plans in line with the characteristics of the organization, and define the responsibilities of each department.

The guidelines also require all archaeological institutions to comply with the overall arrangements of local governments, and actively respond to the needs of major national construction projects and important archaeological projects.

The guidelines make it clear that museums, memorials, and outdoor cultural relics protection cites in low-risk areas can reopen to the public in an orderly way with the approval of local governments. However, places with medium-risks of the epidemic should take gradual steps in resuming services, with indoor exhibition halls remaining closed to visitors. All facilities in high-risk areas should stay closed temporarily.

Besides, the SACH has decided to optimize online services and open up an expedite "Green Channel" for review and approval of major projects and special funds for the protection of cultural relics, giving priority to projects which call for urgent attention. 

It is reported many provinces including Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Jiangsu and Guizhou have also issued guidelines regarding the services of museums and cultural cites during the period of epidemic outbreak. And in some places, the archaeological sites under exploration have already resumed work.

(Cover image from VCG)