Whitaker Center has announced a partial re-opening.
Downtown Harrisburg was the scene of two notable announcements on Friday: a partial reopening of Whitaker Center and, across the street, a new COVID-19 test site inside Strawberry Square.
First, Whitaker Center held a ribbon-cutting to mark “phase one” of its reopening.
During this phase, the Harsco Science Center & Select Medical Digital Cinema are open Fridays and Saturdays only, by reservation, in two sessions: A morning session runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and an afternoon session runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Whitaker Center officials stated that they will use the 30-minute block of time between sessions for cleaning. Because of capacity limitations, visitors must purchase tickets in advance ($10 per person, children under 2 are free). Members receive free admission to the Harsco Science Center, but must reserve tickets in advance.
While at Whitaker Center, visitors can view several new exhibits, including a life-sized version of the game, Operation (pictured), the “X-Ray Table” and the center’s newest and largest single exhibit, “Pinball Falls.”
“We have reinvented ourselves over the past year as we’ve provided virtual programs and socially distant onsite group learning to the community, but now we are excited to reopen our doors,” said Meghan Clark, COO/CFO of Whitaker Center. “It’s so great to see young families back learning, exploring, and having a good time! I am excited for what the future holds for Whitaker and the impact we will have on the youth that come to visit us.”
Also downtown, Harristown Enterprises on Friday announced that Strawberry Square will serve as a walk-in COVID-19 testing site from March 16 through April 10. The site will be open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in a vacant retail space on the first floor, inside the Walnut Street entrance.
Testing will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis for ages 3 and older, at no charge and with no appointment required. As many as 450 people can be tested daily at the site to anyone who wishes to be tested.
This is an initiative between Strawberry Square, the city of Harrisburg, Park Harrisburg, the PA Department of Health and AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, which is administering the tests.
“We’re happy to provide space for this vital healthcare initiative,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown, the owner of Strawberry Square, in a statement. “The public deserves to have the opportunity to receive testing without obstacles, and we’d like to recognize Dauphin County Emergency Management for initiating the conversation to make this happen.”
Results will be available in two to seven days. Those testing positive will receive a phone call from AMI, while those testing negative will receive a secure email, according to Harristown.
“It is important that COVID-19 testing is accessible to everyone, and I am encouraged that residents will be able to utilize this site to get tested,” said Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse.
Whitaker Center is located at 222 Market St., Harrisburg.
Strawberry Square is located at 320 Market St., Harrisburg. The COVID-19 test site will be located near the Walnut Street entrance.
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This story has been updated.
