City of Guelph shutting down pools, arenas, rec centres until April 5

All arenas, pools, recreation centres, libraries and museums in the City of Guelph will be closed to the public until Apr.5, the city announced Sunday in a news release.

The city has not yet had any confirmed cases of COVID-19 and Mayor Cam Guthrie said in the release that he hopes to keep it that way.

"We know closures and cancellations are disruptive and inconvenient, but we think it's the best way to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19," Guthrie said.

According to the release, the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, Guelph Farmers' Market, River Run Centre and Sleeman Centre will also close and are set to re-open Apr.30.

The Elliott long-term care facility has been closed to the public.

Guelph city hall remains open, although people are encouraged to use online services as much as possible. The city is also asking visitors to avoid city hall if they're feeling unwell or have travelled outside Canada in the last 14 days.

Guelph Transit mobility service customers are being asked to avoid all non-essential travel, and users will be screened "as many are older adults who may be more at risk of severe illness," the city said.

Most public meetings and events scheduled at city facilities will also be cancelled until Apr.5. The city is still considering options for upcoming council meetings.

Public services, including road work and waste collection, will continue.