Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. announced on Thursday preventative steps to protect public health and safety related to the potential spread of COVID-19.

Starting Friday morning, City community centers will close and remain closed through March 30. Senior citizen programming held at the centers will be suspended until further notice. Jim Dailey Fitness Center will also close.

Little Rock Zoo indoor buildings will be closed to the public through March 30. However, outside exhibits will remain open. Indoor programming and events at the zoo have been cancelled.

City events with expected attendance of 200 people or more are being rescheduled. Those include: the Rights After Wrongs re-entry services fair; Wild Wines at the Little Rock Zoo; and the Fraternal Order of Police/Black Police Officers Association Unity Ball. The Little Rock Sustainability Summit will be held virtually and will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.  

“It is my sincere desire that organizers will follow suit and reschedule all large events of expected attendance over 200 that will put people in close proximity within the next 30 days,” Mayor Scott said. “State and federal health officials have repeatedly advised that social distancing is an important step to take towards preventing the spread of this highly contagious virus.”

On Tuesday, Mayor Scott announced the appointment of the City of Little Rock COVID-19 Task Force which will begin meeting Friday to report next steps the City may take when cases of COVID-19 are confirmed.

City staff has been reminded to take the following measures to protect themselves and help prevent the spread of the virus:

• practice good handwashing
• cover coughs and sneezes
• avoid touching your face
• get your annual flu shot
• stay home when you are sick 

 Additional information is available at LittleRock.gov/covid19.