13/03/2020

Council Buildings Closed To Public In Derry & Strabane

Derry City and Strabane District Council has taken the decision to close all council owned buildings to the public.

The City of Derry Jazz Festival is also cancelled, along with a number of major events.

The closures will take affect from 6pm today, Friday 13 March.

Council members say the decision is a precautionary measure in the interest of the health and safety of the public to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 across the area.

All leisure facilities, council owned and managed community centres, the Guildhall, Tower Museum, the Alley Theatre and sports pitches and pavilions will be closed.

It was agreed, however, that parks and open spaces including cemeteries and play areas will remain open.

The upcoming Angling Fair and the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon have also been cancelled, with other events under constant review.

Council staff will work as normal however a range of restrictions are in place including no external meetings and attendance at conference.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Michaela Boyle welcomed the decisions. She said: "The decision to close all Council facilities to the public and to cancel some of our key events was not taken lightly but it was unanimously agreed that they are the right decision in the interests of the safety of the public. The Council has a duty of care to its staff and the public and this is a very responsible and proactive approach to this situation. We will continue to work and consult with our statutory agencies and partners in terms of contingency planning and service provision."



(JG/CM)

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