Natural History Museum closes for a week amid Covid-related 'staff shortages'
Though the ice rink by the museum will remain open
Last updated 20th Dec 2021
The Natural History Museum is being forced to close its doors for a week due to "staff shortages" related to Covid.
The museum has had to make the "difficult decision" to shut from Tuesday 21st December after front-of-house staff were "impacted by Covid-19 infections and isolation requirements".
In a statement, the museum said: "We will remain closed to the public until reopening on Tuesday 28th December, when we hope that staffing levels will have recovered.
"The Natural History Museum's ice rink will continue to operate as scheduled as this is managed and staffed by external contractors who are currently able to continue the operation.
"This is not a decision we have taken lightly but the safety of staff and visitors must always come first."
Refunds will be issued for tickets to 'Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder Of Nature' exhibition and 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year'.
Even though the museum will be closed, the ice rink will remain open to welcome visitors in the run-up to Christmas.
More London shows cancel performances due to Covid
A string of shows have also had to cancel performances due to rising coronavirus cases.
The West End performance of Disney's The Lion King will be closed from 21st December due to "ongoing Covid-enforced absences" among the cast and crew.
A statement on Twitter said: "Unfortunately performances of Disney's The Lion King in London scheduled to take place between Tuesday 21st December and Sunday 26th December can no longer play as scheduled.
"We hope to resume performances on Tuesday 28th December at 7.30pm and will provide further information as soon as possible.
"On behalf of everyone at Disney's The Lion King we apologise for the disappointment and for any inconvenience this may cause."
The Book Of Mormon has also cancelled a week of shows following an "exponential" rise in positive Covid cases within their London cast and crew.
On Instagram, producers announced: "We have had to make the decision to cancel all performances of The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre until Monday 27th December.
"This means all performances scheduled between Monday 20th December and Thursday 23rd December are now cancelled.
"Once again, we would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused. Please check back for further updates regarding performances scheduled from 27th December."