All Vancouver restaurants and bars told to close for St. Patrick's Day

On Monday, Mayor Kennedy Stewart announced that bars and restaurants in Vancouver’s downtown core would be required to shut down for St. Patrick’s Day in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Now, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has expanded the order beyond the downtown core.

According to an emailed statement from VCH, 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.”

Dr. Daly said that while this will affect operators financially, the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic cannot be underestimated.

“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,” wrote Dr. Daly in an emailed statement. “We understand this 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.”

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The announcement to ban gatherings of over 50 people was made on Monday afternoon by BC Health Officials. This comes as the number of cases and deaths in the province continues to climb. Henry stated Monday that there were 30 additional cases of coronavirus over the weekend, bringing the province’s total to 103.

With coronavirus on the rise, BC public health authorities are reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.