MONTREAL -- Montreal on Saturday ordered all of its dog parks and community gardens to close in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Responding to regional public health authorities, the city closed both sets of public spaces for an indefinite period of time.

Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante declared a local state of emergency Friday at the request of Quebec public health officials.

#COVID19 – Montréal décrète l'état d'urgence pour 48 heures pour soutenir la santé publique dans ses interventions sur le terrain.

https://t.co/xPMRwVR6tT — Ville de Montréal (@MTL_Ville) March 28, 2020

The following places have already been closed by the city:

Community centres

Cultural places, such as cultural centres

Libraries

Swimming pools

Arenas and sports facilities, such as the Claude-Robillard sports complex

Modules, play areas and outdoor sports grounds

Planetarium and Botanical Gardens

Nature parks welcome chalets and equipment rental

Accès Montréal offices and permit counters

Reception counter of the Housing Service

Land Assessment Service counters

Municipal Court customer service counters

Essential services such as garbage and recycling collection, emergency services and econcentres remain open and operational.

