The city mayor says some people 'aren't getting the message' and continue to overcrowd the areas

Effective immediately all sports fields, courts and skate parks in Port Coquitlam will be closing amid COVID-19 outbreak

PORT COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) — Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West is ordering the immediate closure of all sports courts, sports fields, and skate parks, after so many people were ignoring orders to distance themselves socially in light of COVID-19.

West says some people “just are not getting the message” and have crowded the fields in recent days.

“We’ve had to make the tough decision to close them in the best interest and safety of our whole community,” the mayor says.

“We know our parks and open spaces provide an important relief for people, especially at this stressful time, but we must socially distance ourselves and not gather in large groups – and that goes for our kids as well,” added West.

He says to ensure public safety, the closures had to happen and is asking residents to take advice from the government seriously and practice social distancing.

While playgrounds and public facilities remain closed, all public parks and trails in Port Coquitlam remain open.

Meanwhile other municipalities in the Lower Mainland have closed down playgrounds in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Westminster, Richmond, and North Vancouver announced closures Friday.

And Vancouver, Delta, and the Tri-Cities have similarly made the decision to close city-run playgrounds.

The number of Canadians infected with COVID-19 has climbed to above 1,300.

– With files from Mike Hall, Marcella Bernardo and Lisa Steacy