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Next week is expected to be warm and sunny in Metro Vancouver. After a week of cool, rainy weather sun seekers may be tempted to head for the beach.

But with COVID-19 still a threat, city and health officials are urging people not to gather in parks and beaches.

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Vancouver park board general manager Malcolm Bromley launched a new pilot program Saturday at English Bay in Vancouver.

He said park board champions, wearing bright green vests, will be patrolling Kitsilano, English Bay, Sunset and Jericho beaches, to remind the public about physical distancing orders.

Bromley noted that while they have seen an improvement in groups of people gathering in places like Stanley Park, some residents continue to ignore the order.

All Vancouver park board facilities, such as community centres and pools, are temporarily closed, except for parks and washrooms.

He said the city does not want to close the beaches and parks like some other communities have done, but they will be forced to take further action if people continue to ignore the physical distancing order from B.C.’s top health officials.