BC closing all provincial parks effective immediately due to COVID-19 concerns

BC has closed all provincial parks effective immediately in further efforts to try and stop the spread of COVID-19.

On Wednesday, the province announced the decision was made in response to the widespread call for increased action to address the virus.

“The message is clear: stay home, avoid travel, do not put yourself or others at risk,” he said.

"We tried to provide safe space for people to get some exercise and fresh air in our beautiful parks. But it has proven too challenging to maintain safe distance between visitors,” said George Heyman, BC's environment minister said in a news release.

The decision to close the park system is informed by continued feedback from RCMP, local government, First Nations, local search-and-rescue organizations and the public, according to the ministry.

BC had already closed day facilities and campgrounds at provincial parks on March 24, that ban has now been extended until May 31.

All federal parks have been closed across Canada since March 25.