Reopening California: East Bay's beloved Pinball Museum prepares to reopen their doors amid COVID-19 pandemic
ALAMEDA, Calif. (KGO) -- The Pacific Pinball Museum has always been known for cleanliness but the nonprofit is worried about the financial crisis that the pandemic will leave them in.
There is still a lot of uncertainty when indoor museums will be able to open and what the safety guidelines will be.
LIFE AFTER COVID-19: Here's what restaurants, gyms, schools, sports will look like when they reopen
"We are probably going to be in trouble," said d'Arci Bruno, Director of Operations of the Pacific Pinball Museum. "If we have to keep it at this minimum capacity to keep people safe and social distancing. Keeping our staff safe and comply with all the new rules that are probably come out. It depends on how long we will have to do that."
The museum survives on membership fees, as well as admissions, field trips, birthday parties, and summer camps but they have had to cancel and refund multiple events.
The nonprofit decided to close their doors on March 13th before the shelter-in-place order was in effect but they have been using their time wisely by having a plan to keep customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are starting a new reservation policy so you won't be able to walk in off the street and play," said Bruno. "You have to make a reservation so we can keep track of how many people we can have in."
In the first few weeks of reopening, the pinball museum plans to open for members only.
The museum's plan is to also enforce social distancing rules by having every fourth or fifth pinball machine on and plans to rotate machines daily.
"We have three places where people can wash their hands," said Bruno. "We will wipe down the games and keep a good airflow."
They have received kind donations from people but their future is still uncertain.
"The Pacific Pinball is worth preserving because it is a very special place. You don't get places like this," said Bruno. "These are the places that go away when things like this happen. We are a big family here and I want to see us survive."
To donate to the Pacific Pinball Museum, visit their website.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
- When will the San Francisco Bay Area reopen? Track progress on 6 key metrics to reopening here
- Life after COVID-19: Here's what restaurants, gyms will look like
- Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
- INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: How close was CA to becoming a NY-level crisis?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- How California's COVID-19 cases stack up against other hot spot states
- Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
- List: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Bay Area?
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Asian American community
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on African American community
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Latino community
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
- List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
- No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
- Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
