By Clarion staff

The City of Kenai announced Friday that it would close several facilities in response to growing COVID-19 case counts.

“These steps are necessary in light of the rapid spread of cases across Alaska and the increasing cases on the Kenai Peninsula and allows the City to maintain critical services,” the city said in a Friday afternoon release.

The Kenai Community Library will be closed to the public through Nov. 30, but will offer curbside service and adjust dates for borrowed materials. Book drops will remain available during this closure.

The Senior Center has remained closed and will continue to be closed to the public while the staff provides meals and services to seniors.

The Kenai Municipal Airport Terminal will remain open to the public, however, administrative offices within the terminal will be closed to the public until further notice.

The Kenai Ice Rink will remain open but effective Monday, use will be restricted to Central Kenai Peninsula participants only. Kenai parks, open spaces, and trails will remain open.

The Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center closed to the public Friday and will be closed for three weeks. The Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center still plans to hold outdoor activities for its Christmas Comes to Kenai event.

City Hall will be closed to the public until Nov. 30. Payments for city utilities using personal checks or money orders for water and sewer may be made by using the dropbox in front of City Hall. Customers paying with credit/debit cards and e-checks or bank account transfers may log in to xpressbillpay.com, use the Xpressbillpay phone app, or by phone: 1-800-720-6847. Payments for citations may be made by contacting City Hall: 283-8200.

Critical operations such as police, fire and utility departments will remain in full operation. Non-emergency police concerns can be reported by dialing 283-7879.

Dial 911 in the case of an emergency. In most cases, city offices may still be reached by mail, email, or phone. The city will continually evaluate the need for additional restrictions or an extension of closures.

Updates on City operations will also be available on the city’s website and Facebook page.