Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a global priority that requires action at every level in every country, says a statement from Tauranga City Council.

This is why Tauranga City Libraries, Bay Venues Limited (BVL), Tauranga Art Gallery and Baycourt Community and Arts Centre have proactively decided to close their doors to protect our community from the spread COVID-19.

Tauranga Mayor, Tenby Powell, says this is the right decision to make if we want to flatten the curve, protect people and support the national effort, we need to take these proactive steps.

'This decision by us and our partners was the right one to make to protect our staff, community and city. Especially those who are vulnerable.

"As we have seen around the world, it takes us all working as a community to stop the spread. I ask for your understanding and support during this unprecedented event."

Tenby says discussions about the closures started last week, but the announcement by the Ministry of Health on the weekend served as a reminder of the severity of this pandemic.

The follow facilities will be closed:

Tauranga City Library:
Closed from 9.30am Monday 23 March. The digital Library will still be available, and Council will continue to reassess hours with the goal of opening once the risk has been minimised.

If you have any library items, please hold onto them for now. You will not accrue any late fines on library items.

For more information visit: https://library.tauranga.govt.nz/

Bay Venues:
All Aquatic Facilities, Trustpower Arena and Stadium, all community centres, halls, and indoor sports centres will be closed from 12pm Monday 23 March. Any activities that take place within these facilities will also be suspended.

This announcement follows Friday's closure of BayActive Sports Leagues, Tumble Time, Baywave Friday Fun Nights and the Baywave Sauna/Steam Room access.

The only exemption to the closing of facilities and activities is the Baywave Early Childhood Centre and childcare programmes that run in Bay Venues facilities as these are deemed to be an essential service by the Ministry of Education.

For more information visit: www.bayvenues.co.nz/about/COVID-19

Tauranga Art Gallery:
The Art Gallery will be closed to the general public and all visitors from 10am, Monday 23rd March 2020.

Gallery staff are working on initiatives to enable the public to access and view the current exhibitions online and to vote for the Miles Art Awards 2020 Exhibition's People Choice.

Further details will be announced on the Tauranga Art Gallery website and social media.

For more information visit: https://www.artgallery.org.nz/

Baycourt Community and Arts Centre:
Box Office will also be closed from 9am Monday 23 March. This announcement follows Wednesday's decision to cancel all performances until 31 March.

For more information visit: https://www.baycourt.co.nz/

All closures will be monitored and reassessed on an ongoing basis.