Norfolk to close recreation centers, indoor pools because of rising coronavirus cases

Peter Coutu, The Virginian-Pilot

Starting Monday, Norfolk will close the city’s recreation centers and indoor pools for four weeks due to rising coronavirus cases and rates.

The city had closed these facilities last spring at the start of the pandemic. The recreation centers reopened in July and some pools reopened in November.

But Norfolk is now reporting its most new coronavirus cases since the start of a pandemic, at roughly 147 a day. That figure is double what the city was reporting a month ago. And 17.5% of tests are coming back positive, another high and an indicator that there is uncontrolled community spread.

The following facilities will be closed from Monday until Feb. 8:

Huntersville Community Center

Lambert’s Point Community Center

Berkley Community Center

East Ocean View Community Center

Norview Community Center

Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center

Southside Aquatics Center

Huntersville Pool

Northside Pool

To replace in-person lessons, the city is offering virtual programming for classes, personal training and wellness programs in January. For additional information, visit Norfolk.gov/play.

Peter Coutu, 757-222-5124, peter.coutu@pilotonline.com

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