Over 300 physical distance warnings were given in Vancouver this weekend

Vancouver Park Board rangers were busy over the weekend reminding residents to observe adequate physical distancing.

Both the Park Board and social media users noticed a spike in visitors on the seawall and in Stanley Park, especially when the sun was out.

Super disappointing to see Stanley Park today jam packed with people, not bothering to social distance or get out of your way on paths. Many driving in from who knows where. Parked bumper to bumper. Park should be closed to non local residents IMHO. @SChandraHerbert

— DaleVancouver🏳️‍🌈 (@dalevancouver) March 30, 2020

Do #Vancouver seawall folks have the #covid19 vaccine? Many of my friends have been laid off, their businesses are closed, and it seems to still be business as usual down here. What is going on? #covidiot pic.twitter.com/ReMcftWeva

— Evan Keast (@EvanKeast) March 29, 2020

Park Board Rangers warned more than 300 individuals and groups around Vancouver on Saturday and Sunday about physical distancing.

Christine Ulmer, spokesperson for the Park Board, said they “deployed rangers to the busiest locations around the city.”

• See also: 
  • Vancouver Park Board to close parking lots at parks and beaches across the city
  • “Call people out:” Dr. Bonnie Henry wants us to get serious about social distancing
  • City of Vancouver to set fines, penalties on businesses violating coronavirus measures

A total of 431 reminders were issued over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 89 reminders were issued on Friday, 109 reminders were given on Saturday, and 233 were shared on Sunday.

Social distancing #Vancouver!
Went for a short walk today. Tonnes of people at #FalseCreek seawall. And people talking about Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside?!#yvr #cdnpoli #bcpoli #dtes #vanpoli #SocialDistancing #PhysicalDistancing #covid19Canada #Covid_19 #COVID pic.twitter.com/WoUWayawkz

— D Ross (@drrossjr) March 30, 2020

Stanley Park in @CityofVancouver
needs to be closed to vehicles to ensure #PhysicalDistancing. Hundreds of cars per day full of #COVIDIOTS spreading #COVID19 are coming from outside the area. We need roadblocks. @ParkBoard #coronavirus @CDCofBC@kennedystewart@vanparkGM

— Jake Ludic8 (@JakeLudic8) March 29, 2020

Of the 233 warnings shared on Sunday, 122 were given in the morning and 111 were given in the afternoon.

Stanley park busier than ever. #COVIDIDIOTS @kennedystewart @CityofVancouver @ParkBoard @GlobalBC @CBCVancouver @CTVVancouver pic.twitter.com/VXaqXKLEkj

— vancouver larry (@Vancity_best) March 29, 2020

Despite slightly optimistic news from BC Health Officials about the positive effects of social distancing, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry makes it clear that “we’re not out of the woods by any means yet.”

Last week, the City of Vancouver passed two bylaws, one of which allows enforcement orders to issue tickets for breaking orders issued by the City.

These tickets can reach a maximum fine of up to $1,000, although the City said it has no intention of ticketing individuals unless absolutely necessary.