Toronto Zoo, 44 branches of library temporarily closing due to COVID-19
Posted January 4, 2022 2:28 pm.
With new provincial restrictions going into effect Wednesday as COVID-19 cases soar in Ontario, two beloved Toronto institutions announced temporary closures on Tuesday.
The Toronto Zoo says it will close Wednesday, until at least Jan. 27.
In a statement they said while outdoor portions of the Zoo could remain open under the restrictions, they are taking “the proactive and necessary step of closing the Zoo to further protect the health and safety of our staff/volunteers, members, guests and of course, our animals, especially those animals that are susceptible to COVID-19.”
During the closure, essential zoo staff will be on-site to care for the animals and critical infrastructure. They added that the closure will allow for additional staff members to be trained in essential positions, in case COVID-19 related staff shortages occur in the coming weeks.
The Toronto Public Library is already experiencing COVID-19 related staff shortages and is therefore temporarily closing 44 branches, effective Jan. 10. However, 52 of the library’s largest and most-used branches will remain open.
In a statement on Instagram, the library said any holds at the 44 affected branches will be redirected to nearby branches and pick up details will be available on the website on Jan. 10. Home library and bookmobile services will continue and drop boxes to return library items will remain open at all branches.
“The decision to close 44 of our branches is a very difficult one, and we recognize the impact this will have on so many Torontonians who rely on us. We are committed to serving our communities in these challenging times while keeping the health and well-being of our customers and staff as our top priority,” they said in the statement.
A reopening date has not been provided at this time.
