Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will close all leisure, sports and cultural facilities to the public from close of business today (18 March) until further notice in response to COVID-19.
All events, exhibitions and courses are also cancelled.
Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill remain open to the public as do all Community Centres and Pavilions. However, all classes, courses and bookings are cancelled at these venues.
The decision has been made following the latest expert advice from the Government, Public Health Agency and Department for Health regarding increasing efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
Statutory Services including Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Environmental Health, Planning, Building Control, Parks & Cemeteries and Waste Collection Services will continue.
The Council will monitor this ongoing situation and will make changes as deemed necessary by the relevant authorities to help with these measures.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth, said:
“This is a challenging and fast-moving state of affairs that requires careful decision making to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our residents, colleagues and families are protected at all times.
“The public must heed the advice of the experts and ensure they take all the essential measures to guard their safety and that of others, especially those more vulnerable during these difficult times.
“Both Civic Centres remain open, Council’s statutory services will continue, our staff will be reporting for work and our parks and recycling centres remain open.
“I would like to thank the Council staff working to maintain essential services, and those at the frontline of our Health Service or caring for others.
“I would urge residents across the Borough to remain calm, and to pull together so we can meet these challenges as a united and resilient community.”