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B.C. nightclubs and bars ordered closed amid coronavirus

Click to play video: 'B.C.’s top doctor orders all bars, entertainment venues closed to fight COVID-19 pandemic'
B.C.’s top doctor orders all bars, entertainment venues closed to fight COVID-19 pandemic
Under the Public Health Emergency, B.C.'s top doctor has ordered bars and nightclubs closed, and many restaurants have already shut their doors. What does that mean for BC's vibrant restaurant culture, and what about the businesses who choose to flaunt the rules? Paul Johnson reports – Mar 17, 2020

B.C.’s top doctor has ordered all bars and clubs in the province to close immediately.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has used new powers after declaring a public health emergency on Tuesday to enact a verbal order.

Click to play video: 'B.C. health officials describe ‘social distancing,’ announce the closure of bars and restaurants'
B.C. health officials describe ‘social distancing,’ announce the closure of bars and restaurants

“Bars and clubs, in my opinion, are not able to meet our test for social distancing and therefore must close,” she said. “Restaurant and cafes can in some cases meet the distancing requirements, but those that cannot maintain social distancing will need to close or move to takeout and delivery services.”

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Gatherings larger than 50 people are not permitted, and people are urged to practise social-distancing measures, namely to keep a distance of two metres between each other.

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Health officials in Vancouver had already ordered bars and restaurants to close in the downtown core for St. Patrick’s Day.

READ MORE: B.C. urges U.S. citizens to stay away as province records 3 new coronavirus deaths

Health Minister Adrian Dix says the province will clarify social-distancing regulations for restaurants, so that some locations can work on reopening if appropriate.

  • with files from Simon Little

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