Department closes libraries and museums to curb Covid 19 spread
20 March 2020
MBOMBELA –In its efforts to fight the spread of Covid 19, the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation has taken a decision to close public libraries and museums with immediate effect.
This follows the declaration of National State of Disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa on March 15 in which non-essential national and international travelling should be avoided and public gatherings of more than 100 are prohibited and closure of schools from March 18 until after the Easter holidays.
“It is in the public’s best interest to close these facilities to support efforts to curb the spread of the virus, “ explains Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali. The closure will affect 116 libraries and two Provincial museums - Pilgrim’s Rest and Barberton.
“The department has noted an increase in libraries and museum visitors since the President’s declaration, which poses a health risks to patrons,” said the MEC, adding that all officials in the affected libraries and museums will still report for duty during the closures.
Drop-in boxes have been made available outside the libraries for users to return borrowed books.
Statement issued by Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation.
Enquiries: Sibongile Nkosi 082 492 4886.