All Edmonton recreation centres to close indefinitely amid COVID-19 worries
The closure affects all city facilities, arenas and attractions
All city-run recreation facilities across Edmonton will be closed to help protect the safety of the public and cityemployees during the COVID-19 pandemic, city officials said Saturday
"The safety of the public and our employees is our main priority," interim city manager Adam Laughlinsaid in a release.
"We don't yet know how long the closures will last. We will continue to be guided by the province's public health officials in taking actions to protect Edmontonians and visitors from COVID-19."
The closure affects all indoor facilities and attractions.
Edmonton Public Libraries also announced Saturday night that all 21 branches will be closed indefinitely.
Effective immediately, all EPL branches are temporarily closed until further notice to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of our staff and customers is of the upmost priority. Read a message from our CEO here: https://t.co/JpDeoDg9bH #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/rkLkzIYBdD
—@EPLdotCA
The City of St. Albert also decided to close its city-run facilities including Servus Credit Union Place and the St. Albert curling club. Strathcona County also made the decision to close their recreation centreson Friday.
That includesthe Edmonton Valley Zoo and John Janzen Nature Centre. The city assured that zoo staff will continue to care for the animalsduring the closure.
This closure affects the following facilities:
UPDATE: The City is closing all City-operated recreation facilities & attractions starting March 14 at 6 p.m.
Please read the release for details, including a list of attractions & facilities affected. https://t.co/0Wbo4DlsaU
—@doniveson
The closure also affects the following arenas:
- Bill Hunter
- Callingwood
- Castle Downs
- Clareview
- Confederation
- Coronation
- Crestwood
- Donnan
- Downtown Community Arena
- George S Hughes South Side
- Glengarry
- Grand Trunk
- Kenilworth
- Kinsmen Twin
- Londonderry
- Michael Cameron
- Mill Woods
- Oliver
- Russ Barnes
- Terwillegar
- The Meadows
- Tipton
- Westwood
Also included in these closures are:
- City Arts Centre
- John Walter Museum
- City programming at the Orange Hub and Prince of Wales Armoury (Tenants will be granted access to these locations)
Hawrelak Park Pavilion, Rundle Park Pavilion and Victoria Park Pavilions will also be closed, with city staff no longer maintaining the ice at these facilities, the release said.
According to Alberta Health Services the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in Alberta is low. Earlier Saturday, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced the total number of cases in Alberta was at 39.