TOLEDO, Ohio — The Toledo Zoo will close to the public Friday through April 1 in an effort to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Zoo officials say they will continue to monitor the fluid situation and provide updates as necessary.
Operating staff, including animal care teams, will continue to work as scheduled to provide care for animals and infrastructure.
The following also have been suspended:
- Volunteer programs, including ZooTeens
- Free community preschool
- All camps, outreach, overnights, tours and on-grounds programming until April 15. The zoo will reach out to those with tickets to reschedule.
- The zoo has increased cleaning and sanitization of office spaces, animal areas and high traffic zones.
"By closing now, we are able to shift workforce to assist in park cleaning, upgrading to maximum operational safety and preparations for reopening," zoo officials said.
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Facts not fear: Putting COVID-19 into context
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Protect yourself from coronavirus
- Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined can.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.