Saanich is the latest Greater Victoria municipality to temporarily close access to all public playgrounds in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
While all parks will remain open, public playgrounds at those located at recreation centres in Saanich will be closed effective immediately.
“The decision to temporarily close Saanich’s playgrounds was made out of an abundance of caution, in response to public concerns that some playground users are not practicing social distancing as directed by B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer,” reads a statement from the District of Saanich.
Earlier on Friday, the Township of Sidney announced a similar measure to shut down playgrounds in the municipality, taking the additional step to also close several public facilities.
While playgrounds may have closed, BC Parks is reminding the public that parks are a still great place for people in province to get out and enjoy nature.
Although people are encouraged to continue to enjoy the local parks and natural areas, they are asked to do so while also maintaining appropriate social distance from others – two meters or six feet.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
The federal government recently announced an $82 billion assistance package for Canadians and businesses struggling financially during the global pandemic.
Earlier this week, B.C. joined Alberta and Ontario in declaring a public health emergency in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.
On Wednesday, B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth declared a provincial state of emergency to support the health ministry’s public health emergency.
The provincial government also announced the indefinite suspension of all in-person classes at K-12 schools in B.C.
Canada has tightened its borders and is denying entry to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada.
U.S. citizens are no longer an exception to this rule, and non-essential travel between U.S. and Canada will be temporarily banned by March 21st. Moreover international flights have been restricted to international airports in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 271,598.
Nearly 11,300 people have died from the illness and 90,605 have made a full recovery.
