Santa Monica implements additional measures in response to coronavirus
By Sam Catanzaro
Santa Monica officials will shut down City Hall and public libraries as the novel coronavirus continues to spread.
- The Santa Monica City Hall building will not be open to the public Monday, March 16 – March 31.
- Santa Monica Public Library branches will be closed March 14 – March 31. The Pico Branch will be closed beginning tomorrow, March 13 – March 31.
- The Virginia Avenue Park campus facilities will be closed March 13 through March 16 in alignment with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District suspension.
“Essential City staff will continue to work from City Hall and City operations will continue. The Santa Monica workforce is equipped to telework while continuing to offer services to the community through 21st century government practices. Public counter services will not be available in person,” the City said in a news release.
In addition, the City of Santa Monica has canceled all gatherings, including events, programs, and activities, both hosted by the City of Santa Monica and other groups.
The following recreational activities have also been suspended through March 31st.
- Aquatics: programming, and permits
- Sports: Drop-in skate park, fitness center, tennis, field permits, Playground Partnership Program, adult sports leagues and tennis court permits (courts will remain open for public use)
- Community Services: Community camps, classes, facility permits, and educational activities at the Ishihara Learning Garden.
- The Santa Monica Swim Center, Memorial Park, and the Reed Park tennis office will be closed effective today through March 31st.
Updates on closures will be available at santamonica.gov/coronavirus.
