B.C.’s Playland pushes back opening to May 25 over COVID travel restrictions

By: The Canadian Press Posted:

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VANCOUVER - A Vancouver amusement park has delayed its opening until after the May long weekend amid concerns it will attract COVID-19 rule breakers.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/04/2021 (1987 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

VANCOUVER – A Vancouver amusement park has delayed its opening until after the May long weekend amid concerns it will attract COVID-19 rule breakers.

Playland says in a statement that it was set to open at the Pacific National Exhibition May 1 after developing a safety plan supported by Vancouver Coastal Health.

However, it says concerns were raised that the opening could draw travel from outside the regional health authority during a discussion with the Provincial Health Office.

A sign reminding guests to stay 2 metres apart is seen on a fence as people ride an attraction at Playland amusement park at the Pacific National Exhibition, in Vancouver, on Friday, July 10, 2020. A Vancouver amusement park has delayed it opening until after the May long weekend amid concerns it will attract COVID-19 rule breakers. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A sign reminding guests to stay 2 metres apart is seen on a fence as people ride an attraction at Playland amusement park at the Pacific National Exhibition, in Vancouver, on Friday, July 10, 2020. A Vancouver amusement park has delayed it opening until after the May long weekend amid concerns it will attract COVID-19 rule breakers. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Monday that officials were working with Playland to consider the risks and benefits of opening the amusement park.

She said that while outside is safer than inside, “this is not the time that we want people coming together for recreational reasons.”

Non-essential travel is prohibited between three different regions of the province until May 25.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 27, 2021.

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