Tennessee Aquarium to close after COVID-19 case confirmed in Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX 3D in Chattanooga will close on Saturday. 

The news come after first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) was confirmed In Hamilton County on Friday. 

Officials with the aquarium said the decision to close was made in "an abundance of caution", and that the facility will remain closed through at least March 27.

All programming and events will be cancelled as a preventative measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The aquarium said in a statement they plan to utilize time during the closure to fully disinfect Aquarium buildings. 

Animals living at the aquarium, officials said, will not be left alone.

"We can confirm that our team of experts will continue to provide excellent care for our animals during this time," an aquarium spokesperson said in a release. 

Anyone who has previously purchased tickets to visit the Aquarium will be provided the option to get refunds or use the tickets to visit at a later date. 

Just email the reservations department at tickets@tnaqua.org

The aquariums web cams featuring live footage of sharks, penguins, and otters via our live web cams will still be in service.