Club set to restore limited in-person services June 9

The National Press Club will restore limited in-person services on Tuesday, June 9, opening the clubhouse doors to members for the first time in 12 weeks.

The Club suspended in-person activities on March 16 following the closure of non-essential businesses by the District of Columbia government in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

After the recent lifting of the stay-at-home order for the District, the Club Board of Governors voted to proceed with a limited resumption of in-person services.

Following a week of preparation and staff training, here are the details of what to expect beginning on June 9:

  • The Club will be open on a modified schedule of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Members will be asked to make a reservation before coming to the Club. An online form will be available. In the beginning, the Club will limit the number of members to 30 at any one time and members are asked to not bring guests.
  • Members cannot eat in the Club but can get a free breakfast to go as well as order lunches and dinners from an online menu for takeout with curbside pickup.
  • Upon entering the 13th floor, members will be asked to complete a basic health screening form and will have their temperatures taken. Members will be required to wear masks and can obtain them at the Club. Gloves also will be offered but are not mandatory
  • Members will have access to carrels (with appropriate spacing), the Truman Lounge, McClendon Room and Cosgrove Lounge with a 10-person limit in each room. The television monitors providing network news coverage will be available.
  • Other Club services, including the gym, will not be available. Nor will anyone be able to bring in outside food or drink.

“This is a reasonable way to re-open the doors,” Club President Michael Freedman said. “We sincerely appreciate everyone’s understanding that these limitations are necessary -- under current D.C. law -- in order to facilitate the resumption of in-person services. We will continue, during this transitional period, to maintain the momentum of our virtual/online program offerings.”

Read Freedman’s full statement online.

The pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions in American life, including the first-ever suspension of in-person activities at the Club. The partial revival of clubhouse operations will involve its own challenges.

“Members can be very helpful by paying attention and following the procedures outlined in the Wire,” Club Executive Director Bill McCarren said. “Please be patient with the staff as they try to help you begin enjoying your Club again. We will be purposefully trying to keep the staff footprint low at this time for safety reasons. We appreciate your understanding during what is a stressful time for all.”

The Club stayed active throughout the 12-week suspension of in-person activities. It hosted several Virtual Newsmaker events, virtual Pub Quizzes and a Virtual Taco Night, while also undertaking community service projects and responding to members who were particularly vulnerable.