City also banned dine-in service at all Vancouver restaurants

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Vancouver Park Board announced Friday it is closing playgrounds across the city effective immediately in an effort to minimize public gatherings and the potential of spreading COVID-19.

Parks board general manager Malcolm Bromley said all playgrounds are off-limits, but parks and beaches can stay open.

The parks board also made recommendations regarding social distancing:

keep at least two metres (six feet) from others;

visit parks and beaches during less busy times;

limit the number of visits to parks and beaches to provide opportunities for others to access;

avoid gathering in groups;

limit high-touch recreational activities, such as volleyball or Frisbee;

wash or sanitize hands after touching communal surfaces;

anyone feeling sick, especially if coughing or experiencing a fever, stay at home.

Park Board GM Malcolm Bromley says all playgrounds are off-limits (not clear yet when that takes effect) and beaches can stay open, but information campaigns underway to make sure people keep a safe distance from each other. #COVID19 #vanpoli — Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) March 20, 2020

The city declared a local state of emergency as a result of the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, then on Friday banned dine-in table service at all Vancouver restaurants.

Mayor Kennedy Stewart also announced a proposed 60-day deferment of property taxes, as well as the creation of a dedicated COVID-19 task force.

City manager Sadhu Johnston added that parking restrictions will no longer be strongly enforced for the time being, but didn’t elaborate whether than means no fees are required.

Earlier Friday, the City of Delta decided to close all playgrounds, skate and bike parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.