Reservations required to visit Club, other rules for resuming in-person services on June 9

National Press Club Executive Director Bill McCarren outlined policies, procedures and guidelines for the resumption of in-person services on Tuesday, June 9.

McCarren emphasized that advance reservations, which can be made online, are required to enter the Club. Members are encouraged to review this information page before coming to the Club.

Here is McCarren's full statement:

On Tuesday, June 9, the National Press Club will resume limited in- person services under Phase I of Washington, D.C.’s reopening plans.

All members are asked to follow the rules and best practices listed below, in order for us to remain open and for you, your colleagues and our staff to remain healthy.

Since we are still in a pandemic with no vaccine, the Club will have a modified look and feel  We thank you in advance for supporting our institution and for doing your part to keep yourself, your family, your fellow members and our staff safe during this time.

Here is a checklist of items governing Club operations during Phase 1:

• Advance reservations are required to enter the Club. A maximum of 30 members will be allowed in the Club at any one time. So, we do need to know if you are coming;
• You may access the Club via the elevators. Please note that no more than two people will be allowed in an elevator at a time. Arrive with your mask firmly in place. Masks are required and we will provide a mask if you do not have one;
• Upon arrival, you will be asked several screening questions such as: Have you been tested for Covid-19? Did you test positive? Are you currently in a home with anyone who has tested positive?
• Your temperature will be read in the lobby utilizing new thermal scanners. If your temperature reads 100.4 or higher you will not be admitted. You may want to take your temperature before leaving your home to be sure;
• Upon entry into the Club it will be a good idea to use the hand sanitizer or to wash your hands immediately. Then, you are welcome to proceed to the 14th floor to enjoy the company of fellow members (at a safe social distance);
• While in the Club, everyone must maintain a six-foot social distance and you must keep your mask ON covering your nose and mouth. These two rules are critical. Violations will result in your being asked to leave, since you will be placing staff and other members at significant risk;
• No eating or drinking is allowed in the Club under the District’s Phase I policies. We will offer a free take-out breakfast that you can enjoy in the park outside or another allowable location;
• The Club will offer an online menu of takeout lunches and dinners (including the popular crab cakes and burgers) that you can pick up curbside. Bottles of wine will also be available. The menus appear on the Club website;
• As much as you may want to hug your fellow members or shake hands with the staff, please refrain! Let’s save that for later in the year. And while watching TV or talking with friends, please adhere to a proper social distance;
• When you depart the Club, staff will help you get through the gates and the lobby so proper social distancing can be maintained. Only two people will be allowed in an elevator.
• The staff is looking forward to helping you navigate these changes, which are temporary and are all designed to maintain health and safety. Please respect what they are asking of you.

Thanks so much and I look forward to seeing some of you on Tuesday.