The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston announced Wednesday that it will be closed until further notice after two employees were potentially exposed to COVID-19 at a wedding and party venue event in Somerville last week.
Library officials said in the news release that the two employees attended the event with 300 others at the Row Hotel in Somerville on March 4. Other attendees have since tested positive for the virus.
JFK library spokesperson Matt Porter said that neither of the JFK library workers have shown symptoms and are in self-quarantine, but the library is notifying the public out of an abundance of caution.
“Our concern for the safety of our employees, visitors, and surrounding community are paramount,” said Library Director Alan Price. "We believe it is important for us to shut down operations during this time to allow for the cleaning of all staff and visitor areas."
The Library advised anyone who visited the library between March 2 and March 11 to monitor their health for symptoms and if anyone experiences fever, cough and shortness of breath to seek medical care.
Porter added that the decision was made in response to Governor Charlies Baker’s state of emergency declaration and concerns over "community spread".
The JFK Library said it plans to cancel or reschedule large public events for the next couple of weeks and will reopen the facility to staff and general admission as soon as possible.
