While bars have already closed across Vancouver as per a province-wide order, the city announced today it is issuing an order to shut down all restaurant table service as of midnight Friday, March 20. Only takeout or delivery will be allowed, and those still operating at 12:01am on Saturday will be subject to enforcement.
The Vancouver Park Board will also be closing its playgrounds across the city, effectively immediately, in an effort to minimize public gatherings and the potential of risk to the community.
"This new reality we are all experiencing will have significant economic impacts,” said Mayor Kennedy Stewart in a press release. “That is why we are also looking at all options to provide immediate and medium-term local response and government advocacy. To all businesses and workers in Vancouver, we hear you and we will do everything we can to support you."
The city announced it has created a dedicated COVID-19 task force, led by Vancouver Fire Chief Darrell Reid who will report directly to City Manager Sadhu Johnston.
The city officially declared a local State of Emergency as a result of COVID-19 on March 19.
All closures and related information can be found at vancouver.ca/covid19.
More to come...
Read more from the Vancouver Courier
