The town of Signal Mountain is closing down most of its public facilities through the end of next week to prevent the gathering of groups of people in an effort to decrease the chances of coronavirus transmission.
The Town Hall gym is closed starting Friday, and the Signal Mountain Library and Mountain Arts Community Center will close starting Monday.
"With the schools closing, we anticipated there would likely be an influx of people at those facilities undermining the notion of social separation and keeping people at a distance," said Town Manager Boyd Veal, adding that the facility closures minimize the risk of exposure for town staff as well. "We're staying in line with what other governments are doing -- providing essential services but minimizing potential for exposure when we can."
The town will announce if the facilities will reopen the following week by the end of business hours Wednesday, March 18.
Town services are continuing as usual and Town Hall remains open, although citizens are encouraged to pay town bills using the drop box in the parking lot rather than coming inside.
The Signal Mountain youth baseball and softball leagues, which are independent of the town, have suspended their seasons until further notice.