COVID-19 UPDATE – Port Coquitlam Closes Sports Courts, Sports Fields and Skate Parks

PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Mar. 22, 2020. …Effective immediately, the City of Port Coquitlam is closing all sports courts, sports fields and skate parks to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Some people are just not getting the message as we’ve observed overcrowding at our sports courts and fields so we’ve had to make the tough decision to close them in the best interest and safety of our whole community,” said Mayor Brad West. “I’m now asking all Port Coquitlam residents to take the advice being provided by health authorities seriously to keep themselves and others safe.”

This is the latest proactive action Port Coquitlam has taken to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The city has closed all civic facilities and playgrounds to the public, postponed or cancelled a number of upcoming events and followed provincial orders to close restaurants, pubs and personal services to ensure the safety of residents.

All public parks and trails in Port Coquitlam remain open.

“We know our parks and open spaces provide an important relief for people especially at this stressful time but we must socially distance ourselves and not gather in large groups – and that goes for our kids as well,” added West.  “As a parent of a young child, I know it’s tough, but the better job we do of this now, the faster and easier we will all get through this.”

What Residents Can Do

  • Maintain social distancing by staying at least two metres away from others (at least two arm lengths or six feet).
  • Stay home and avoid non-essential gatherings.
  • Try online programs that allow for virtual socializing.
  • Limit contact with higher risk people (i.e. older adults and those with underlying health conditions).
  • Follow proper hygiene etiquette as directed by local health authorities, including regularly and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water.

Port Coquitlam is actively monitoring updates from local, provincial and federal health authorities and keeping the public informed of changes.

The city has also activated the Emergency Operations Centre and business continuity plan to ensure a coordinated response and continued delivery of core services such as water, sewer, police and fire, along with online services.

At this time, public washrooms in parks remain open with increased cleaning. Washrooms and change rooms at field houses and sports fields are closed.

Stay Informed

Residents are advised to watch the city’s website and social media channels for updates.

For all health-related concerns, the public is advised to call 811, the Government of Canada novel coronavirus telephone information line at: 1-833-784-4397 or to contact their health-care provider or local public health office.

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community from COVID-19, and to use the online self-assessment tool:

For more information and updates, please visit the City’s website at www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca