New public health measures for Regina to combat rising coronavirus variant cases will see temporary closures of galleries and museums as of Sunday.
The MacKenzie Art Gallery closed Wednesday, the day after the government announced the new measures, which will be in place from March 28 until at least April 5.
"We will continue to offer innovative and engaging artistic programming on our website and across our social channels," the MacKenzie says on its website. "We look forward to seeing you online soon, and to welcoming you through our doors as soon as it is safe to do so."
The Art Gallery of Regina, located in a civic building, and the Dunlop Art Gallery, located in the Regina Public Library, will also be closed effective Sunday.
The measures do not apply to commercial galleries, but some businesses are taking precautions regardless. The Slate Gallery, for instance, is open by appointment only and is encouraging curbside pick-ups and doorstep delivery.
"We feel this is an important measure for the health and safety of customers and staff," the gallery says on its website.
The public health guidelines also ban indoor dining at Regina restaurants and bars, although takeout and delivery will be allowed. Other non-essential event venues, including banquet and community halls, theatres, cinemas and arcades must close.
Public galleries in Alberta remain closed due to health orders aimed at stemming the spread of the virus in that province.
