Liberty Bell, Independence Hall closed through December

FOX 29's Chris O'Connell has more on the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall closing through December.

OLD CITY - Two of Philadelphia's most visited tourist attractions will be closed through December to help thwart the spread of coronavirus amid a nationwide spike, site curators announced Sunday.

Following Philadelphia's 'Safer at Home' guidelines, all indoor sites found at Independence Hall Park will be shuttered until at least Jan. 1. This includes the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, and the visitors center.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 17: Independence Hall is closed to the public due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on March 17, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The tourism and entertainment industries have been hit hard by restrictions in response

Expand

During the closure, the museum will provide digital information and experiences. Items sold in the visitors center can be purchased online.

Museum officials said the closure is necessary for the safety of guests employees and visitors. During the pandemic, the Independence Visitor Center became the only museum to receive global recognition for stringent cleaning protocols, according to officials.

Last week, Philadelphia ordered the immediate closure of several businesses, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions until the new year. The tightened restrictions come as Philadelphia is experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 infections.

RELATED COVERAGE

New restrictions on indoor dining, gyms and entertainment venues in Philadelphia go into effect

Pfizer to apply for emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine

Pennsylvania, New Jersey surpass 300K cases of COVID-19

'Barely making it': Restaurant owners speaking out over Philly's new restrictions