Metro Vancouver advises people to stay closer to home over the long weekend

Deas Island Regional Park and Boundary Bay Regional Park in the City of Delta are now closed to the public

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Metro Vancouver closed two more regional parks Thursday to encourage physical distancing and advised people to stay closer to home over the long weekend.

Deas Island Regional Park and Boundary Bay Regional Park in the City of Delta are now closed to the public until further notice, joining Barnston Island Regional Park and Brae Island Regional Park.

The parking lots at Lynn Headwaters Regional Park and the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve will be shut during the long weekend.

All other Metro Vancouver Regional Parks remain open, although park facilities such as playgrounds, docks, rental facilities and picnic areas are closed, following directives from the provincial health officer regarding COVID-19.

“If you want to visit a regional park, stay local and do not travel across the region to visit a park,” says a Metro Vancouver release.

PARKS ALERT: Barnston Island Regional Park is closed. Please only use the ferry for essential travel. #COVID19 #BarnstonIsland @CityofSurrey pic.twitter.com/nb6f2PavRd — Metro Vancouver (@MetroVancouver) April 7, 2020

“Despite great weather in the forecast, visitors are encouraged to choose parks in their own neighbourhood and not travel further afield to popular destinations such as Bowen Island or Belcarra Regional Park.”

Metro Vancouver recognizes that regional parks are important outlets for people to access nature, reduce stress and maintain physical and mental health.

“Visitors must do their part to keep themselves and others safe during this critical time.”

Metro Vancouver has increased staffing and posting more than 300 signs to reminding people of health and safety measures:

maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others, including in parking lots and trail entrances;

comply with closures of playgrounds, nature play areas and picnic shelters;

wash or sanitize hands frequently during the day and upon returning home from parks;

dispose of tissues in designated garbage bins.

Metro Vancouver asks people feeling sick to stay home.