Roundup of closures.

MYSTIC AQUARIUM CLOSES TEMPORARILY DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

Mystic — Mystic Aquarium temporarily closed to the public on Monday at 5 p.m. to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The aquarium’s decision came after Gov. Ned Lamont ordered all bars and restaurants closed and President Donald Trump recommended not gathering in groups of more than 10 people.

“The safety of our staff, visitors and animals is our top priority, and we will continue to monitor developments and reassess accordingly. During this time, essential staff will continue to provide world-class care for our animals as well as maintain the Aquarium’s campus. Precautions also remain in place for the health and safety of the essential staff,” the aquarium posted on its website.

Aquarium spokeswoman Dale Wolbrink said the aquarium has laid off “a portion of its workforce,” retaining only personnel necessary for the care of our animals and security of the facility. She said the aquarium is providing full benefits, including health care, to the laid off employees and paying the full cost of all benefits.

“Our goal is to bring back all employees who have been laid off as soon as possible,” she said.

The aquarium said that tickets purchased to visit the aquarium during the closure will be honored when it reopens. It added that ticketholders also could consider making their purchase a donation to help the aquarium during the closure.

“We look forward to welcoming you back to the Aquarium when we receive notification from state officials that it is appropriate to reopen,” the aquarium stated. “In the meantime, we invite you to stay connected with us online and through social media. Thank you for your continued support during this period of uncertainty.”

MYSTIC ROTARY EXTENDS NONPROFIT GRANT APPLICATIONS DEADLINE DUE TO VIRUS

The Rotary Club of Mystic announced Tuesday that it has extended the deadline for nonprofit organizations to apply for it 2020 Spring Grant Cycle to April 30.

The application pages and instructions can be found at mysticrotary.org. The Rotary said the extension is designed to give 501(c)3 organizations time to reorganize and adjust to the demands of the coronavirus and take precautions against its spread, and still have time to submit their grant requests. The Rotary said the nonprofit organizations will need the grant funds even more with the strain created by the virus.

A total of $17,600 will be awarded this spring. The Rotary said the amount is larger than usual due to a generous bequest.

For more information, send an email to contributions.mysticrotary@gmail.com.