OTTAWA -- The City of Ottawa is shutting down all city facilities for three weeks in a bid to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 in the community.

There have been three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa, all linked to international travel.

Mayor Jim Watson says all city facilities, including recreation facilities, pools and libraries, will be closed from Monday, March 16 to Sunday, April 5.

The decision means all City of Ottawa pools, arenas, Ottawa Public Library branches and all cultural and recreation facilities will be closed, including the Meridian Theatres and Shenkman Arts Centre.

All City of Ottawa programs, including March Break camps and fitness classes, will also be cancelled, starting Monday.

All public events at Ottawa City Hall have been cancelled, including events scheduled by third-party organizers.

“These closures will be in effect for the next three weeks in order to prevent the spread of the virus,” said Mayor Watson.

All City of Ottawa Client Service Centres and City Hall will remain open

City-run child care centres have been directed to implement additional screening measures of all children, similar to the measures put in place at long-term cares.

City of Gatineau

The City of Gatineau has announced a number of measures to help minimize the COVID-19 related risks to public safety.

All of the following public activities are cancelled until further notice:

Municipal events and gatherings of more than 250 people

Public consultations scheduled in the near future

Aquatic program activities

Shows in salle Jean-Despréz, cabaret La Basoche, Theatre de I’lle and Espace Rene-Provost

The following locations will remain closed until further notice: