As a press conference today, mayor Kennedy Stewart said fines, business closures and other penalties could be on the way to enforce social distancing measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stewart said council will meet virtually tomorrow to vote on an amendment to the city’s emergency powers bylaw that would allow bylaw officers to issue tickets to anyone either gathering in large groups or not staying two metres apart.
“The time of asking nicely is coming to an end,” Stewart stressed. “While many residents have responsibly kept two metres away from others in public, too many people still think the rules do not apply to them.”
Earlier today, the Park Board closed parking lots for the city’s most popular parks and beaches, along with all outdoor recreation areas across Vancouver.
“This weekend, I saw reports of people hosting house parties, having group picnics on the beach, playing soccer, playing beer pong,” the mayor said. “This isn’t a game. People are dying.”
Okay guys, this is getting stupid. #COVIDIOTS #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/R0mnpEx1Tc
— Farhan Mohamed (@farhanmohamed) March 22, 2020
Last modified: March 22, 2020
