Vancouver Coastal Health asks bars, restaurants to close on St. Patrick’s Day

VANCOUVER Coastal Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Patricia Daly is requesting that all restaurants, bars, lounges and similar venues in downtown Vancouver close their doors on Tuesday — St. Patrick’s Day — as part of efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The day is traditionally an extremely busy time in such venues, as large crowds gather to celebrate, especially in the entertainment districts of Granville Street, Gastown and beyond.

“Given that the Province has now limited the size of public gatherings to 50 persons, it is only prudent that we ask restaurant and bar operators to cooperate with efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said 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.”

The City of Vancouver defines downtown Vancouver as the area from Stanley Park to Main Street and from Burrard Inlet to False Creek.

For more information on COVID-19 and steps being taken to reduce its impact, visit VCH.ca/COVID19.