Full refunds will be available for anyone registered in affected programs and library fines will be paused

The shut-down will begin on Monday, March 16 and is set to last 'until further notice'

SURREY (NEWS 1130) — Surrey became the first Lower Mainland city to shut down all city-run recreational facilities and libraries due to COVID-19 Sunday.

The closure came at the direction of the mayor. It comes into effect Monday, March 16 and is set to last “until further notice.”

“Given the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19, I am taking a proactive approach to ensure the health and safety of our residents,” said Mayor Doug McCallum in a release.

“The decision to close our public recreation facilities is being done in the best interests of public health. While it is imperative that we all do our part to mitigate the risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-19, we should also be mindful to carry on with life.”

Spring Break camps and child care programs will continue.

“These programs are a valuable service to families who are working during this unprecedented time of COVID-19,” the release explains.

Full refunds will be available for anyone registered in affected programs and library fines and due dates will be suspended.