Video posted to social media shows dozens of people dancing, jumping and fist-pumping in the middle of the street, while someone can be heard yelling into a microphone over the loud music. According to the video's timestamp, the footage was captured at 2:07 a.m.
In a tweet, Vancouver Police Deputy Chief Howard Chow said police had closed off the 900 block of the downtown street, as per usual on weekend evenings. However, with physical distancing measures in effect in downtown bars and restaurants, some saw the extra outdoor space as an opportunity. "At midnight some would-be DJs set up speakers which drew a crowd, was quickly shut down," he wrote.
VPD Sgt. Aaron Roed confirmed this recounting of events in an email, stating that a group of people had set up large speakers with music attracting people to congregate and dance. "VPD officers in the area did stop the DJs from playing the music and shortly after the people stopped congregating," he explained.
In a second tweet, responding to a member of the public calling for those who took part in the street party to be arrested, ticketed or fined, Chow wrote that police are "Still getting groups throughout evening congregating with music, buskers, etc.," and are "Doing our best to intervene and shut music down when groups form."
He added, "Unfortunately, limited seats inside means more people outside."
Roed said VPD officers have not been issuing tickets for non-compliance with social distancing, isolation or quarantine requirements, but will continue to educate people on the importance of physical distancing instead.
"The Province along with the [provincial health officer] has taken the lead on this and officers specifically assigned to enforcement with the Province will be enforcing any social distancing laws," Roed explained.
"Vancouver Police will continue to focus on public safety, prevention of crimes, and upholding the law. We will also continue to spread awareness and educate the community on the importance of social distancing," he added.
The impromptu street party comes following a steady increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in B.C. in recent weeks, particularly in younger demographics.
On Wednesday, B.C.'s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported the third-highest number of new cases the province has seen in a day since the pandemic began. "The majority of these cases are young people in the Lower Mainland and their exposures have been at events in the community," she said during the Aug. 12 press briefing.
“We must all keep working together to protect people’s health, homes and livelihoods, and to get our province back on track. We are all in this together, so let’s continue holding the line.”
- With files from Elana Shepert
