The ACT Art Centre has shuttered its doors to the public after a directive by the province to limit public gatherings to 50 people or less in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The closure came into effect Monday at 6 p.m. and will remain until further notice, read a notice on the centre’s website.
However, March break arts camps and essential childcare that service less than 50 people will continue up to and including Friday, March 20 for currently registered parents.
READ MORE: Province bans large gatherings in B.C.
Though, Spring Break camps scheduled March 23 to 27 have been cancelled and full refunds are being issued, said the update on the centre’s web page.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer, made an announcement Monday about the new public gathering limitations during a daily briefing.
The ACT Arts Centre Theatre already had to cancel last Thursday’s and Friday’s (March 12 and 13) performances of Kim’s Convenience because of a provincial government ban on all events with more than 250 people.
The ACT said on its website that ticket holders will be contacted so they can receive full refunds.
The latest reduction of maximum crowd sizes 50 people also led to the cancellation of Screwball Comedy, also booked for the ACT on March 21 and 22.
Sweet Alibi, also booked for March 20, cancelled its tour.
Prior to the provincial announcement, the theatre had planned to continue as usual with elevated cleaning and sanitizing measures throughout the building, along with installation of more hand sanitizing gel stations.
If parents prefer to withdraw from the offered services they are being asked to email learning@mract.org and pro-rated refunds for this week will be issued.
The status of upcoming performances, events and exhibitions will be regularly updated.
“Please be patient for further instructions on replacing or returning any tickets,” read the ACT Centre’s notice.
pmelnychuk@mapleridgenews.com
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