Coronavirus: Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth to close indefinitely as bosses warn attraction's entire year of revenue is 'at risk'

The museum’s chief executive Helen Bonser-Wilton said it must ‘play its part’ in maintaining public health and ‘balancing the burden on the NHS’.

Heritage bosses hope online donations will recoup some losses experienced and are urging customers who were hoping to visit to make a contribution instead.

Visitor income makes up 90 per cent of the Mary Rose’s revenue and it receives no funding from central government.

Of that 70 per cent is racked up during the museum’s peak months, which would normally start in April and slow around September.

Ms Bonser-Wilton said: ‘I don't think we have ever experienced anything like this, but we have to put it in context.

‘We’re really alarmed like everyone and we have to play our part in not spreading the virus.

‘We’re taking this decision because we have to all help balance the burden on the NHS.’

She added: ‘The trust’s whole income for the year is now at risk.’

While the museum admitted some costs would be avoided as it closes to the public, its overheads remain high to protect its 19,000 artefacts.

Ms Bonser-Wilton added: ‘Mary Rose’s fragile archaeological objects, dramatically rescued from their seabed home in 1982 after 437 years underwater, have to be kept at a set temperature and humidity to preserve them for future generations to enjoy.

‘The costs associated with this include specialist staff time, multiple complex systems and equipment to heat, cool and dehumidify air 24/7, 365 days a year, as well as significant energy bills.

‘We continue to lobby local MPs, government and public funders to help with the costs of caring for Mary Rose during this difficult closed period.’

The government has called on everyone to avoid gatherings and crowded places, including theatres, clubs and pubs, but has not enforced closures.

Professor Dominic Tweddle, the director general, of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, said that the historic dockyard would remain open – for now.

‘The National Museum of the Royal Navy recognises that this is a challenging and uncertain time,’ he said. ‘Having received no instruction to close, our sites do remain open to the public.

‘We are continuing to follow and monitor official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England carefully, to implement recommendations for precautionary measures, and to take advice from our funding bodies.

‘Our core concerns remain the wellbeing and health of our staff, volunteers and visitors; and the preservation of our collections. As the situation changes further updates will follow.’

SEE ALSO: Coronavirus: Here is a list of the stores closed in Gunwharf Quays because of Covid-19

Meanwhile a Spinnaker Tower spokeswoman confirmed it will stay open for ‘business as usual’, with greater hygiene measures put in place.

These include hourly cleanses of touch points and the installation of bottles of hand sanitizer at the entrance and exit for visitors.

A spokesman for the Blue Reef Aquarium in Southsea said it too will continue to welcome visitors, while ‘rigorous' cleaning measures.

Portsmouth City Council has confirmed all its museums, including the D-Day Story, Portsmouth Museum and the Cumberland House Natural History Museum, will be closed from March 18.

All its libraries other than Central Library will also be shut, it said.

You can donate to the Mary Rose Museum at maryrose.org/support-us

Coronavirus, the facts – from the NHS and the World Health Organisation

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.

Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised.

Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath – but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat.

It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly.

The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.