HAMPTON, Va. — The City of Hampton announced Friday it will close its facilities to the public starting Monday, March 16 to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The decision will apply for two weeks from Monday, March 16 and extending through Sunday, March 29. The city will revisit all of these decisions based on updated guidance from the Virginia Department of Health and declarations from Governor Northam's office, but generally expect to consider such matters in two-week increments.
Libraries and community centers will be open for scheduled hours this weekend.
Events at the Hampton Coliseum and the Hampton Roads Convention Center have been canceled, as well as other special events such as a Census kickoff and budget input meeting.
At this time, courts are scheduled to be open on Monday.
City Manager Mary Bunting noted that the "decision was not made lightly, but was easier once we concluded that virtually all public needs of officials can be met electronically or by phone."
Employees will continue to report to work.
"By taking this action, we can protect our city employees from possible exposures but also help with the slowing of the spread of this disease throughout the community," Bunting said.
The city has had a special task force at work for more than two weeks focusing on the safety of both residents and employees. City officials and responders have developed a protocol for responding to emergencies and continue to look at the best way to respond to concerns about the disease.
Friday, Gov. Northam ordered all public K-12 schools in Virginia to close for a minimum of two weeks starting Monday, March 16.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
