Coronavirus: Durham state of emergency closes DPAC, Carolina Theatre and more
Mayor Steve Schewel declared a state of emergency for Durham on Friday, a move that prohibits groups of 100 or more to gather in the city as the threat of COVID-19 coronavirus spreads across the state.
The wording from the city prohibits “a group of 100 or more persons to be located in, or congregate indoors within, any room located in a City facility that is owned or co-owned with the County of Durham.”
That includes the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), the Carolina Theatre, the Durham Arts Council and convention meeting rooms in the City-County Convention Center.
The declaration expires on March 28.
“We are all aware of the significant public health dangers posed by COVID-19,” Schewel in a news release. “We know that social distancing is one of the most important ways of keeping us all safe. I know this will be a hardship on venues like DPAC and the Carolina Theatre, and I am very grateful for their close cooperation as we make these decisions together.”
Earlier Friday, Raleigh announced all large events at city venues would be canceled or postponed through April 15. That includes large conventions at the Raleigh Convention Center and shows at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. The latter houses Memorial Auditorium, Fletcher Opera Theater and Meymandi Concert Hall.
Other Durham closings
▪ The Museum of Life and Science is closed to the public, and will remain closed for a minimum of two weeks, until March 28. Essential animal care staff will remain on-site to care for the animals at the museum.
This story was originally published March 15, 2020 at 10:07 AM.