This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
The City of Longmont is closing several facilities to the public beginning today, Friday, March 13 at 2pm.
In light of the most recent developments regarding COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Colorado communities, including closure announcements on Thursday by both the St. Vrain Valley and Boulder Valley school districts, the City of Longmont will be canceling all City-organized programs; community events and community meetings; all community programs; events and meetings organized by non-City entities that are held at City facilities; and all community rentals of City facilities, athletic fields and park shelters for public and private events, effective March 13 to 29.
City staff will periodically reassess the need for these cancelations and closures and will adjust as needed to help ensure the health and safety of the Longmont community. Any fees paid for canceled events, programs, fees or rentals will be reimbursed.
While we don’t currently have a known case of coronavirus in Longmont, we are taking this pandemic very seriously. After close consultation with public health authorities and guidance from state and local partners, City leadership is proactively limiting opportunities for exposure to the virus in order to protect residents. Colorado is now likely experiencing community transmission of the virus, so we are promoting social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of the virus in our community, to protect our vulnerable populations, and to reduce the strain on our healthcare system. These are the guiding principles we are dedicated to in Longmont and throughout the larger region.
Longmont Facility Closures
The following Longmont facilities, City-organized programs, community events and community meetings will be closed to the public from today at 2pm through March 29:
- Recreation Center
- Centennial Pool
- ]St. Vrain Memorial Building
- Senior Center
- Youth Center
- Public Library – book drops will be closed and all fines will be suspended during the closure
- Museum and Cultural Center
- Municipal Courts and Probation – see details below
Older adults who need supportive services from the Senior Center can call 303-651-8411 to make arrangements.
The City will issue refunds or credits for City run cancelled programs and events.
Open Longmont Facilities
The Civic Center, Development Services Center, Service Center, and Safety and Justice Building will remain open until further notice. While our utility payment windows will be open, residents can also conveniently pay bills online. If you do come to a City facility, know that we have increased our cleaning and sanitation measures to help protect the public.
Longmont Municipal Courts and Probation
Courts and Probation will be closed to the general public March 13 through March 29. Additional closures may follow. Court appearances (arraignments, first appearances, bond returns, etc.) are generally being rescheduled to new dates and times in April and May. Expect written notices to be sent by mail. Probation clients will also be receiving rescheduled notices for new meetings and hearings. The Court will be handling in-custody and other related matters on a case by case basis. Trials presently set between March 13 and March 29 will be rescheduled on a case by case basis. Any payments or due dates are being continued past March 29. While the Court Clerk’s window may be open for walk-up payments, residents should contact the Court by phone to set up other arrangements. Limited staff will be available during this time. If you do not receive a new notice by mail or if you have any other questions, please contact the Court by phone at 303-774-4804 or email at [email protected].
Additional Information and Resources
During closures, staff will be working hard to ensure continued service to Longmont residents, including water, electric, sewer, waste collection, and internet.
We are also focused on our most vulnerable populations, in particular older adults and those with underlying health conditions who may be at particular risk. We recognize that these populations may be the most reliant on City services and will be working to ensure their needs are met in the safest possible way.
In addition to precautionary measures for the public, we have issued out-of-state work travel restrictions for staff and are continuing to evaluate any other appropriate safeguards as the situation evolves. Information is flowing rapidly; stay informed and prepared by registering for eNotifications to receive the latest updates from the City of Longmont, checking LongmontColorado.gov often, following the City on social media, and by registering for the EverBridge service for emergency notifications to your mobile device.
We are all key players in keeping our community safe, so please remember to stay home if you’re sick, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, and call your healthcare provider for advice if you have symptoms of coronavirus including a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
Residents who have general questions about COVID-19 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for answers in many languages. Email [email protected] for answers in English. You can also visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) websites for more information on best practices. If you have upcoming travel plans, please visit the CDC’s website for the latest travel information.
