All City of Vancouver bars and restaurants ordered to close on St. Patrick's Day

Urgent update: Vancouver Coastal Health is ordering all bars and restaurants in the City of Vancouver to close on St. Patrick's Day (today). 

This update follows a previous announcement made by Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart last night requiring all bars and restaurants in the downtown Vancouver core to close for St. Patrick's Day.

A copy of the Vancouver Coastal Health Statement is below:

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."
If you have not already done so, we recommend making the necessary arrangements and informing your staff immediately.
 
As you well know, the situation is evolving rapidly. We will circulate further updates on how COVID-19 will continue to impact your businesses, as soon as they are available.