The National Gallery of Australia will be closed until further notice as non-essential services across the ACT shut down due to coronavirus.
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The closure will be effective from Monday. In a statement, the gallery said it made the decision to close its doors following new federal guidelines restricting the number of people that could gather in indoor areas.
"The health and wellbeing of staff and visitors is the National Gallery of Australia's top priority," a gallery spokesman said.
"This precautionary measure will ensure their safety and assist health services in their efforts against COVID-19."
Those who had purchased tickets to the gallery's Matisse and Picasso exhibition would be provided refunds.
The gallery said it would be in contact with affected ticket holders.
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"This is an uncertain time for everyone and our thoughts are with our extended family of artists and the arts industry, and our loyal community of members, supporters, visitors and friends," the spokesman said.
The closure comes as the federal government moved to restrict the number of people in indoor public areas to one person per four square metres.
From Monday at noon, the ACT government moved to close non-essential services, including pubs, clubs, gyms, indoor sporting venues, casinos, night clubs, cinemas, entertainment venues, restaurants and cafes along with places of worship.
The gallery has said it would continue to showcase its collection online through Artonline.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
