The Oregon Zoo on Monday joined the long list of places that will close temporarily while most of the U.S. self-quarantines to slow the spread of coronavirus.

The zoo, which is operated by the Metro regional government body, announced that it would close Tuesday, and stay closed until at least April 8. The closure follows recommendations from state and local public health officials to close large gathering areas.

The zoo announced it would shut down within hours of Gov. Kate Brown limiting crowds to 25 people.

But unlike many other popular gathering spaces in the Portland area, such as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and all of Multnomah County’s public libraries, the zoo remained open on Saturday. Attendance was low because of the weather, said zoo spokesperson Hova Najarian, and the zoo closed early that day due to snow. The zoo was closed Sunday because of icy conditions.

Najarian said the zoo’s decision to close for coronavirus concerns was based on guidance from state and local health authorities.

“Previously we had closed indoor and high-traffic areas, based on recommendations from Dr. Jennifer Vines, the tri-county health officer,” Najarian said. "But following today’s new guidelines and the governor’s message, it was clear that the best thing we could do would be to close completely as a temporary measure in order to help ‘flatten the curve.’”

The phrase refers to an intervention tactic that can help spread out the number of cases over time, in order to limit a surge of coronavirus cases all at once, which would overburden the health system. By practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings, people can help slow the spread of the virus.

In a statement, zoo director Dr. Don Moore said the animals were doing well, and that animal-care teams and other essential employees would continue to report for work. Other employees will work from home if possible, he said.

Moore said the zoo would reopen as soon as public health authorities recommend it.

—Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR

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