The City of Estevan is closing the Estevan Leisure Centre indefinitely following what they called a "sharp increase" of COVID-19 cases there that have been linked to variants of concern.

The City issued the following release: 

Over the past week, the Estevan Leisure Centre has seen a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases linked to variants of concern (VOC). To help address this risk, the City of Estevan is taking the proactive step of closing the Estevan Leisure Centre, effective May 5th, at 4:30 pm as a precaution.

This closure comes on the advice of the Saskatchewan Public Health Authority and will be in effect until further notice.

"The safety of the community and our employees is our main priority," stated Rod March, Leisure Services, Parks and Facilities manager. "We don't yet know how long the closure will last. We will continue to be guided by the province's public health officials in taking action to protect residents and visitors from COVID-19."

The closure affects all programming and both indoor and outdoor services in the Estevan Leisure Centre.

Some fitness classes will continue as virtual programs for the importance of physical health and well-being. The Southeast Regional Library will remain open with access from exterior doors only.

Customers' accounts will be extended for the duration of the closure.