African elephants are seen at Caldwell Zoo. The zoo has temporarily closed out of concern over the spread of the coronavirus.

It is hardly business as usual for venues that provide leisure activities.

Concerns over the spread of the contagious coronavirus is promoting cancellations and changes in the way some venues and restaurants are conducting business.

Health officials have cautioned the public to avoid groups and to practice social distancing as a way to help slow the spread of the virus that causes respiratory problems.

Caldwell Zoo, one of Tyler’s largest attractions, has closed and does not plan to reopen until April 3.

“Although the risk of catching the disease remains low in our area, we want to do all we can to reduce the spread of the virus while minimizing any concern for our staff and our community,” said a statement on its Facebook page.

“Our staff will continue to supply excellent care to our animals while we work together to minimize the effects of the pandemic,” the statement said. “Caldwell Zoo has emergency procedures in place that assure we have additional feed and supplies to last for an extended period of time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not received any reports of wildlife or zoo animals in human care becoming sick with COVID-19.”

The Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary north of Tyler has closed through March 20. The sanctuary for abused and abandoned animals typically is open for people who pay to tour the facility. The sanctuary is seeking financial donations to make up for lost revenue from tour sales.

“We are making preparations if the need arises for our small staff to take care of the animals in case any members of our team have to be quarantined or are sick,” said a statement from the sanctuary.

Discovery Science Place, a children’s museum on North Broadway Avenue, has announced it will be closed through March 20.

“Our hope is that this time will coincide with the social distancing steps local health officials have encouraged and that many other local entities are employing,” said Chris Rasure its executive director. “We will also take this opportunity to comprehensively clean surfaces, spaces and manipulatives at the museum. It is our intention to be open for business Saturday, March 21, and beyond, although we will re-assess as circumstances dictate.”

The Tyler Junior College Earth and Space Science Center, which has a planetarium and science exhibits, has closed through March 23.

“During this time of following social distancing guidelines, we will also be conducting comprehensive, heavy cleaning of all hard surfaces including doors and walls, as well as exhibit hall displays, and seats in the planetarium,” a statement from the center said.

The Tyler Museum of Art has announced it will be closed until March 29.

“During this time, the institution will undergo a deep and thorough cleaning to help prevent the spread of germs,” said a statement from the musuem.

The 16th Annual High School Art Exhibition is scheduled to be on view March 29 to May 3.

Valerosa Designs & Gallery, located in Bergfeld Center, has closed through March 21

Studio Movie Grill, which operates a theater at Cumberland Village in Tyler, has initiated a guest-first seating policy.

“Studio Movie Grill is immediately further reducing seating capacity nationwide and offering guest-first seating, 10 feet apart to a maximum of 50 seats in all its theaters,” Brian Schultz, founder/CEO, said in a statement on the company’s website.

The AMC Classic Tyler 14, a multi-screen complex on South Broadway, has initiated a similar procedure.

“To give you more empty space around you within our theatres, we are capping ticket availability to 50% of the normal seating capacity for every showtime in every auditorium at all AMC theatres nationwide,” said a statement on the company’s website. “Once we hit 50% of an auditorium’s capacity, movie screenings will show as being sold out.”

The policy will be in place through at least April 30, the statement said. The theater chain also has initiated enhanced cleaning protocols.

Grand Slam Tyler, an entertainment complex on South Broadway Avenue that includes theaters, a bowling alley and arcade, said it is taking “additional precautions” to keep guests safe.

“We have further elevated our already stringent cleaning and sanitation protocol,” said a statement posted by the owner, Howard Charba.

Liberty Hall, a movie and live events auditorium on the Tyler square, owned and operated by the city of Tyler, is closed this week and next week.

A concert by the duo Penny and Sparrow that was set for March 26 has been suspended. The theater is hoping to reschedule the concert. A performance by the comedy improv troupe Card 53 set for March 28 has been rescheduled for April 25.

The 2,000-seat Cowan Center at the University of Texas at Tyler has canceled the March 26 performance of the traveling Broadway show “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” The venue is working with the show’s producers to find a new date.

East Texas Symphony Orchestra has postponed its March 28 concert featuring guest conductor Yoav Talmi that was set for the Cowan Center. A new date has not been set. The orchestra’s April 25 concert is scheduled as planned.

Pollard Theater Center has canceled its performances of “The Music Man” that was set for March 26-28. The theater hopes to stage the musical next spring instead.

Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q, a popular barbecue restaurant at 525 S. Beckham Ave., has closed its dining room and bar until further notice.

The restaurant is still open but patrons now have to call in orders and then pick up the food to go from curbside service, said a statement from the owners. Stanley’s also has canceled its live entertainment on the weekends through March.

The Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse, a restaurant/live music venue in Tyler and Lindale, is among eateries that is operating as usual

“We would like to thank all of our customers for your continued support,” said a statement on its Facebook page. “We have implemented new enhanced sanitation practices for the safety of our valued guests. We also would like to encourage you to avoid going out in public if you are not feeling well.”

The owners of Broadway Square Mall said it is “taking extraordinary steps” to keep everyone safe and healthy.

“Our cleaning crews have been increased and are working around the clock to ensure we meet and exceed the hygiene standards established by both the CDC and the World Health Organization,” the statement said.