Club suspends in-person services for 14 days

The National Press Club Board of Governors voted unanimously Monday night, March 16, to suspend the Club’s in-person services for members and guests for a minimum of 14 days in response to the dangers posed by the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic.

The suspension of activity commenced immediately after the vote. It shuttered operations in the Fourth Estate and Reliable Source restaurants, the members-only gym and the resource library. After two weeks, the board will reevaluate the situation and may vote to further extend the suspension of operations.

The Club will not be completely shut down. Controlled, limited access may be permitted for relevant news conferences and other specific activities that aid journalists in their coverage of the coronavirus story and help inform the general public. The Club also will utilize its website and social media channels to provide important information and help members remain engaged.

The suspension of in-person activities ensures the Club follows new guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calling for the cancellation or postponement of in-person social gatherings greater than 50 people throughout the United States for the next eight weeks, as events of this size can contribute to the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus.

Regardless of whether it is fully operational, the Club will continue to be active in illuminating efforts to combat the virus.

“As our nation and the world grapple with this crisis of epic proportions, the critical role of the press cannot be overstated,” Club President Michael Freedman said in a statement. “We turn to medical experts and elected officials for leadership – and we rely on the press to help inform and educate the public while holding those in power accountable for their words and actions through accurate and fair reporting.”

This moment of great risk and uncertainty highlights the theme Freedman has established for his year-long tenure leading the Club: Why Journalism Matters.

“The coronavirus pandemic stands as Exhibit A in reminding the world why journalism matters,” Freedman said. “The National Press Club stands firmly with our colleagues around the world in pursuit of truth.”

During the period of suspended operations, the Club’s full-time staff will work from home and will continue to meet by phone, email and video conferencing with the Club’s more than 3,000 members to plan important programs and activities for later in the year. The Club’s full-time staff will continue to be paid.