National parks and national historic sites will be suspended effective Mar. 19, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday speaking from self-isolation at home.
He continued that Canadians should do what they can to “lighten the load” to the country’s health care workers by social distancing and not gathering in groups of more than 50 people.
There are 48 national parks in Canada, including seven in B.C. and 970 national historic sites, of which 90 are also in this province.
The B.C. locations include:
- Glacier National Park
- Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
- Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site
- Kootenay National Park
- Mount Revelstoke National Park
- Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
- Yoho National Park
Meanwhile, B.C. Parks remain open.
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The closure of all visitor services at all national parks and historic sites is to help “flatten the curve” he said.
This comes after the government announced Canada will be shutting its border to non-citizens looking to enter, with some exceptions. The border will be shut starting Tuesday.
Wednesday Trudeau said he will make more “major announcements” regarding economic actions to support Canadians during coronavirus.
Tuesday morning, Ontario delcared a state of emergency due to COVID-19, mandating the closure of all restaurants and bars.
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liam.harrap@revelstokereview.com
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