Information bulletin
Vancouver Coastal Health expands St. Patrick’s Day closure of bars and restaurants beyond downtown core
Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Coastal Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Patricia Daly is requiring that all restaurants, bars, lounges and similar venues throughout the City of Vancouver close their doors today — St. Patrick's Day — as part of efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19. This expands the closure beyond the initially announced downtown core.
Yesterday, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, issued a public health order limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people. Dr. Daly is taking action to support that order by implementing the closure of bars and restaurants in Vancouver today.
"Given that the Government of British Columbia has now limited the size of public gatherings to 50 persons, it is only prudent that we require restaurant and bar operators to cooperate with efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19," said Dr. Daly. "We understand this is may pose a financial hardship for operators, but the seriousness of the health care challenge that COVID-19 presents to our community cannot be underestimated."
The day is traditionally an extremely busy time in such venues, as large crowds gather to celebrate.
Resources
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View the provincial health officer's order on mass gatherings
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For more information on COVID-19 and steps being taken to reduce its impact, visit VCH.ca/COVID19.
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Further inquiries about the St. Patrick's Day closures of restaurants and bars should be directed to the City of Vancouver at (604) 873-7000 or 3-1-1.