Auburn declares state of emergency and closes community institutions to thwart COVID-19

Auburn declared a state of emergency Thursday from the “growing public health impacts” of the coronavirus and closed five community institutions.

Mayor Nancy Backus took the action to protect the health and safety of Auburn residents, the city said in a statement.

Beginning Friday, the following community institutions will be closed:

— Auburn Community & Event Center.

— Auburn Senior Activity Center.

— REC Center.

— Auburn Avenue Theater.

— White River Valley Museum.

No re-opening date was given.

Citizens who had private rentals at those facilities are urged to contact the city’s Parks, Arts & Recreation department at 253-931-3043.

City-sponsored events and gatherings, including the State of the City on March 12, are postponed until further notice, the city said.

Residents can check the city’s website at auburnwa.gov/ for updates on openings and events.

This story was originally published March 5, 2020 at 6:24 PM.

Craig Sailor

The News Tribune

253-597-8541

Craig Sailor has worked for The News Tribune since 1998 as a writer, editor and photographer. He previously worked at The Olympian and at other newspapers in Nevada and California. He has a degree in journalism from San Jose State University.