All Edmonton recreation centres to close indefinitely amid COVID-19 worries

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.

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.

• Two Alberta COVID-19 patients admitted into intensive care as province announces 10 new coronavirus cases

This closure affects the following facilities:

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.