Citing the potential for COVID-19 to spread, the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium said it would shut down for at least two weeks.

The aquarium said it is following Gov. Gavin Newsom's "executive order cancelling large gatherings to limit the spread of coronavirus" in a press release Thursday.

Essential staff will still work to take care of security, animals, facilities and other critical systems in the aquarium, according to the press release.

They will have access to protective gear and information on safety, such as minimum distance to reduce the chances for infection by the coronavirus, which has been declared a pandemic after sickening more than 100,000 worldwide.

All other workers and volunteers will be asked to work from home if possible — employees will be paid "regardless of their job responsibilities and ability to work remotely," the aquarium said.

The aquarium will remain closed until at least March 27 and work with the Monterey County Health Department.

"We will work with all guests affected by this closure to reschedule their visit or refund the cost of their tickets" the news release said. "For inquiries about tickets, please call us at: 831-648-4800."

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Joe Szydlowski is a multimedia journalist for the Salinas Californian who covers local government, crime and cannabis. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JoeSzyd_Salinas. He can be reached at 235-2360. Help support The Californian's work: https://bit.ly/2Qo298J