COVID-19: What’s open and closed in B.C. as a result of the novel coronavirus – Peace Arch News
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Canada, here’s what’s closed in B.C.
As of Monday, there were at least 324 cases in Canada, 103 of those in B.C. Four people have died so far in Canada, all of whom were living at a care home in B.C.
Across B.C.:
B.C. schools closed indefinitely
The province said it is immediately shutting down classes at all of B.C.’s schools. Education Minister Rob Fleming said they were closed “indefinitely,” but the province will guarantee that students will graduate.
READ MORE: B.C. to suspend K-12 schools indefinitely due to COVID-19
ICBC cancelling all road tests for the next two weeks due to COVID-19
The Insurance Corp. of B.C. is cancelling all road tests for the next two weeks. ICBC said it will then reassess if it should be closed for longer.
READ MORE: ICBC cancelling all road tests for the next two weeks due to COVID-19
RCMP Community Police Stations close
Several RCMP community police stations are closing the doors until further notice. Meanwhile, main police stations in communities will remain open as an essential service.
READ MORE: RCMP temporarily close front-counter service in South Surrey, Cloverdale due to COVID-19 concern
Ski hills close for rest of season
Whistler Blackcomb has announced it will be ceasing operations until the end of the 2019-20 season. Meanwhile, Silver Star, and Apex have announced a suspension until March 22.
Dentists office only performing essential procedures, hospitals cancelling elective surgeries
If you needed your teeth cleaned, you’ll have to wait. B.C. Dentists are shutting their doors to all but emergency patients.
READ MORE: B.C. dentists to suspend all elective, non-essential dental work due to COVID-19
READ MORE: B.C. hospitals start cancelling elective surgeries in COVID-19 preparations
Tim Hortons, Starbucks turning to ‘to-go’ stores
Starbucks said it will nix all seating and close some high-traffic stores to adhere to health official recommendations of social distancing.
Tim Hortons will convert all of its stores to drive-thru, take-out and delivery only.
READ MORE: Starbucks Canada to nix seating, closing mall, university-based stores due to COVID-19
READ MORE: Tim Hortons moving to take-out, drive-thru and delivery only amid COVID-19 fears
Uber Eats offering free delivery
Uber Eats announced it would offer free delivery in B.C. and promote small restaurants. The company said it would also be promoting contactless delivery and providing 300,000 free meals for healthcare workers in the U.S. and Canada. Restaurants on Uber Eats can now opt for a daily, rather than weekly payout to help ease financial worries.
Non-essential municipal services
Many cities around the province are shutting down all recreational and non-essential facilities, including pools, leisure centres and libraries. Many are also suspending library fine and RCMP detachments are closing front counters.
READ MORE: City of Surrey to close all recreational facilities due to COVID-19 concern
READ MORE: Cariboo Regional District announces closure of all library locations
Casinos shutting down
All casinos in B.C. have shut down, per order from B.C. health officials.
READ MORE: Great Canadian to close 10 B.C. casinos amid COVID-19 worries
Stores and businesses that are shut due to COVID-19
- Hudson’s Bay
- Aritzia
- American Eagle
- H&M
- Lush
- Lululemon
- Cactus Club
- Donnelly Group
- Holt Renfrew
- Orangetheory Fitness
- Steve Nash Fitness Clubs
- Science World
- Vancouver Aquarium
- YMCA of Greater Vancouver and of Vancouver Island
- Cineplex and Landmark movie theatres
READ MORE: Cineplex, Landmark Cinemas to close movie theatres till April 2 due to COVID-19
Universities and colleges go online
Thompson Rivers University became the latest institution to cancel face-to-face classes from March 16-20. The Kamloops university is just the latest to announce changes as a result of COVID-19. Earlier on Sunday, BCIT said it was moving classes online or suspending the ones that could not be moved from March 16-22. The University of the Fraser Valley paused all classes Sunday afternoon and SFU, UBC and the University of Victoria have all begun the move to remote learning for the rest of the term.
READ MORE: Thompson Rivers University cancels face-to-face classes this week
All travellers asked to self-isolate
In a Sunday update, chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam asked all travellers coming into Canada to self-isolate for 14 days. Canadians are also being asked to avoid non-essential travel and events larger than 250 people.
READ MORE: No travel ban, but all travellers asked to self-isolate as Canada hits 313 COVID-19 cases
West Coast Amusements suspends tour
Usually spring marks the beginning of carnivals and amusement parks from West Coast Amusements, but this spring will be different. The company announced it is putting all events on hold amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ MORE: West Coast Amusements suspends carnivals, events due to COVID-19
Lower Mainland:
Rolling Stones cancel tour
The novel coronavirus has led to the cancellation of The Rolling Stones’ ‘No Filter’ tour. The tour included one B.C. stop in Vancouver on May 12.
Fraser Health limits visitors
The health authority is bringing in stricter rules for how many people can accompany patients to its hospitals as it seeks to prevent outbreaks of the novel coronavirus.
READ MORE: Fraser Health limits hospital visitors to slow spread of COVID-19
Aggressive new public health measures are underway province-wide to help slow the spread of #COVID19. Effective immediately, students are prohibited from attending Alberta K-12 schools & post-secondary institutions until further notice. https://t.co/sq9X3Ixrx2 pic.twitter.com/h4FB9RJegZ
— Alberta Government (@YourAlberta) March 15, 2020
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