A day after announcing plans to cancel for programs and activities at schools and a fitness center, Newtown Parks & Recreation expanded on that announcement.

An e-mail from the department on Friday, March 13, announced that all of its organized sporting activities have been postponed indefinitely. Both announcements were brought by a concern to stop the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by novel coronavirus, which has been deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

“Due to public health concerns and the closing of Newtown Schools, all organized sporting activities are postponed indefinitely,” the town department said via e-mail Friday afternoon. “Scheduled field use will resume when schools reopen.

“As long as the schools remain closed fields are closed to organized activities. Spring sports will continue as planned, once schools reopen,” the announcement continued.

Playgrounds at parks are closed and pavilion rentals have been suspended, the department also announced.

“Traditionally grass fields open on April 15, and we certainly hope this will be possible, however organizations should consider modified seasons should it be necessary to remain closed beyond this date,” the notice added.

For additional information, Newtown Parks & Recreation can be reached at 203-270-4340 or at newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation.