List of tourist locations closed in Atlanta due to coronavirus

The coronavirus continues to spread across the U.S., having already made its way into Georgia. Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have urged the public to use social distancing to help slow and/or stop the spread of the COVID-19.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.

However, many entertainment and tourism locations within Atlanta have shut down temporarily for at least two weeks.

WWE Monday Night Raw at State Farm Arena

The upcoming live broadcast of WWE’s Monday Night Raw scheduled for March 30 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta has been moved to WWE’s training facility in Orlando, Florida with only essential personnel in attendance. Refunds will be available at all points of purchase.

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre & Cobb Galleria Centre

Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre will close through the end of the month, beginning Monday.

A statement from the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre management team said, "the decision was made this morning to temporarily close the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre effective Monday, March 16 through March 31, 2020".

Fox Theatre

Atlanta's Fox Theatre will close down for around two weeks beginning Saturday. 

"[A]s of March 14, the Fox Theatre is temporarily closing effective immediately. We anticipate the closure will last at least two weeks, but management will continue to evaluate based on the latest information from local and national public health officials. Ticketholders of Miss Saigon, AllStar Legends of Hip Hop, Bill Maher and Fox Theatre tours impacted by this closure will be notified by email of next steps," a theatre spokesperson said in a statement.

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park is set to close its doors through the end of March. 

" Zoo Atlanta will temporarily close to the public at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, and will remain closed through March 31, 2020, at a minimum, in accordance with public health precautions for larger gathering places and to add to its existing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19," a Zoo Atlanta spokesperson said in a statement.

Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium in Downtown Atlanta is now closed to the public through the end of the month.

"After careful consideration, Georgia Aquarium will close to the public beginning Saturday, March 14, 2020, through at least the end of the month. This decision was made as part of our commitment to you, our guests, and our team."

For questions about Aquarium tickets, reservations and events, please contact our Call Center at 404-581-4000 or email visitorservices@georgiaaquarium.org.

World of Coke

Coca-Cola says it will temporarily close World of Coca-Cola and its Coca-Cola Store in Atlanta for two weeks, effective Monday, March 16.

"The health and wellness of our guests and employees is a top priority of World of Coca-Cola and The Coca-Cola Company. Public health experts have called for reducing large gatherings and increasing social distancing. Out of an abundance of caution, we will temporarily close World of Coca-Cola and our Coca-Cola Store in Atlanta for two weeks, effective Monday, March 16. While we intend to return to full operations by March 30, this is subject to change as the situation evolves."

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Both gardens in Atlanta and Gainesville are closed. All classes and public programming has been canceled through March 31.

Garden Party on Friday, March 20 at the Atlanta Garden is canceled. Ticket holders will be issued refunds and notified via email. The Atlanta Garden will remain open.

Grand opening celebrations at the Children’s Garden in Gainesville on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 are postponed. The Gainesville Garden will remain open, and a new date will be announced soon.

Six Flags Over Georgia

Six Flags Over Georgia is temporarily shutting down amid coronavirus concerns until the end of March, officials said.

"While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at this property, the safety of our guests and team members is always our highest priority. We will continue to closely monitor these evolving conditions, and will follow the most current guidance from federal, state, and local officials," Six Flags Over Georgia released in a statement.

2020 Masters Golf Tournament

Augusta National says next month's Masters golf tournament is postponed due to coronavirus concerns. While not happening in Atlanta, the event is still a major Georgia entertainment source.

Atlanta Motor Speedway

NASCAR says it will now postpone race events at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend and Homestead-Miami Speedway next weekend.

Atlanta United and MLS

Major League Soccer has suspended its matches for 30 days, effective immediately. 

"Our clubs were united today in teh decision to temporarily suspend our season - based on the advice and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and other public health authorities, and in the best interest of our fans, players, officials and employees," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "We'd like to thank our fans for their continued support during this challenging time."

Atlanta Hawks and NBA

The National Basketball Association suspended their season after some players tested positive for the virus.

Ponce City Market

PCM is temporarily closed. Check here for the latest.

SweetWater 420 Fest

SweetWater 420 Fest, including SweetWater 420 Fest 5K, scheduled to take place April 24-26, 2020 will be postponed or cancelled

Live Nation

The American Events promoter and venue operator is reportedly planning to halt all tours around the world until the rest of the month to stop the spread of the virus. 

According to Bilboard, Live Nation informed its employees that while some select shows are still scheduled, all remaining touring concerts will be canceled from now through April. 

NCAA Tournament

The Big Ten, AAC, ACC, Big 12, Big East, Pac-12 and SEC tournaments were canceled amid growing concern over the coronavirus. The Final Four was to take place in Atlanta.

Coronavirus cancellations: These major events, concerts called off amid COVID-19 outbreak

Public health officials have urged social distancing to slow down or stop the spread of coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults who are 60+ and people with serious medical conditioners, such as heart disease and diabetes, are at higher risk of getting very sick from coronavirus. 

Best prevention measures:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

GWINNETT COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION HOURS: Sunrise to sunset and certain areas within parks will be closed. 

Click here for a listing of school, church, and business closings or visit https://www.fox5atlanta.com/closings

Download the FOX 5 Atlanta app for updates on the coronavirus outbreak in Georgia and across the U.S.

RESOURCES:

CORONAVIRUS IMPACT: