The city of Federal Way is closing the Federal Way Community Center, Dumas Bay Centre and the Performing Arts and Event Center through March 31.

The decision was prompted by Gov. Jay Inslee’s order on Wednesday that all events larger than 250 attendees will be banned in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties through the end of March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“In light of Gov. Jay Inslee’s order and directive from King County Public Health, and after consulting with Emergency Manager Ray Gross and legal counsel, we have decided to close the [facilities],” stated Mayor Jim Ferrell.

The closures will take effect Thursday, March 12.

Shows and gatherings at the PAEC through the end of the month are canceled or are in the midst of being rescheduled.

In the short-term, the city plans to have community center employees work at the facility and conduct a deep cleaning and other needed general maintenance, Hemstreet stated. All of the city’s employees at the affected facilities will be paid through the end of the month.

“We will continue to monitor this evolving situation and keep the community informed of any other changes,” Ferrell stated.