Why the Empire State Building Can Reopen Its Indoor Observatory During Phase 4 Indoor Bans

In 2020, amidst a global pandemic, questions like "Why is the Empire State Building able to reopen its largely indoor Observatory Experience at the start of Phase 4 while many other indoor attractions like low-risk museums are still banned?" sparked public interest and confusion. This article sheds light on the unique circumstances and measures that allowed for this exceptional reopening.

Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Establishments

The decision to classify establishments as high or low risk is a crucial aspect of public health policy during pandemics. While museums and similar cultural institutions struggle with indoor operations due to the risk of crowding, the Empire State Building stands out as an example of an indoor attraction deemed low-risk. This distinction hinges on several factors that make the building a unique case.

Museum Classification and Risk

When assessing risks for indoor attractions, crowding often plays a significant role. Museums, even those considered low risk, pose a higher risk of transmission due to multiple visitors in one space simultaneously. Security concerns also contribute to the difficulty in managing indoor crowds. However, the Empire State Building presents a different scenario.

Empire State Building’s Distinguishing Features

The Empire State Building is more than just a historic landmark; it is an architectural icon that stands amidst a bustling urban landscape. Located in a central area of New York City, it is surrounded by a network of smaller buildings and streets, making it less likely to attract large crowds. As the sole major attraction in the immediate vicinity, it draws a steady but smaller number of visitors, contributing to its perceived lower risk factor.

Additionally, the building has a robust infrastructure capable of accommodating both tenants and the public on its open floors. With effective security and safety measures in place, the Empire State Building can safely continue operations, even during phases with strict indoor bans.

Operational Safety Measures

For attractions to reopen during a pandemic, stringent operational safety measures are essential. The Empire State Building has implemented protocols to ensure public safety, including:

Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection: The building undergoes regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch areas to minimize the risk of virus transmission. Social Distancing: Measures are in place to maintain physical distancing between visitors, such as signage and floor markings. Limiting Capacity: Visitor numbers are limited to ensure adequate spacing and a safe environment. Health Screening: Entry points may include temperature checks and health questionnaires to prevent entry of individuals showing symptoms.

Comparative Analysis

While many indoor attractions struggle with the same challenges, the Empire State Building’s unique location and measures set it apart. Unlike high-risk indoor venues such as museums or theaters, which often require large indoor spaces and proximity of visitors, the Empire State Building’s observatory offers an outdoor vantage point, which further reduces the risk of transmission.

As the pandemic evolves, we see a pattern where attractions that can operate with low numbers of visitors and maintain social distancing are amongst the first to reopen. Examples include Broadway productions, which rely on limited seating and dynamic rotation of casts, further reducing the likelihood of prolonged close contact.

Conclusion

The ability of the Empire State Building to reopen its largely indoor Observatory Experience during Phase 4 indoor bans highlights the importance of context and specific measures in managing public health risks during pandemics. By focusing on low-risk factors, strong operational protocols, and a unique setting, the Empire State Building has managed to safely continue operations, setting a precedent for similar attractions to consider in their reopening strategies.