Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian speaks to reporters at a news conference about the impacts on the City by the COVID-19 pandemic, Monday, March 16, 2020.

(BRIE WELTON / iNFOnews.ca)

Arenas, public pools, the McArthur Island Sports centre and all of the TCC facilities in Kamloops will be closed by midnight in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

That from Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian at a press conference today, March 16.

The decision follows today's announcement that the City of Kamloops has activated its Emergency Operations Centre.

“It is a situation that I think we need to address as a city,” said Christian of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He voiced concerns about the upcoming Performing Arts Centre Referendum on April 4.

"It’s my concern, and the concern of council, that voter suppression could likely occur because of the situation we’re currently under," he said.

The City will be consulting with the Minister of Municipal affairs to determine whether postponing the referendum will be the next step.

The mayor assured that all essential services, including public transit, will continuing to be provided in the community. 

"We are dealing with B.C. Housing on a strategy to provide relief and protection for the homeless in our community," Christian said, drawing attention to the difficulties the homeless face under regular circumstances, and adding that in times like these, that plight is even greater.

City Hall will remain open, but all elective duties and travel will be suspended for city staff.

The Mayor will be consulting with other B.C. mayors and the Minister of Municipal affairs in a conference call tomorrow afternoon to discuss the situation further.  

"We will get through this together, and that's how we will build resiliency for our community," he said. 

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