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#COVIDIOTS hashtag catches on to call out COVID-19 social distancing failures

Vancouverites are proceeding with rooftop beer pong, soccer games, and closely-packed seawall strolls, like COVID-19 isn't a thing
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The Vancouver Park Board is using caution tape to keep people away from playground equipment. Photo Jennifer Gauthier

Canadians, Americans and people across the globe are calling out those who fail to practise social distancing, using the hashtags "#Covidiot" and “#Covidiots,” as fears about the spread of COVID-19 continue.

On Friday, March 20, the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Park Board announced more than 160 playgrounds in parks would close as the number of cases of the virus continued to increase across Canada and B.C.

In Canada there are 1,302 cases — 424 in B.C., which has the highest number in the country.

Ian Young@ianjamesyoung70

My god I hope it pisses down rain in every day for a month, and that it hails every sunset https://twitter.com/farhanmohamed/status/1241554620754710528 …

Farhan Mohamed@farhanmohamed

Replying to @farhanmohamed

They’re playing beer pong. I can’t. I just. I can’t. #COVIDIOTS #COVIDVancouver #vancouver #covid19

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In Vancouver, some residents continued to gather at parks, the beach, the seawall and playgrounds this weekend despite warnings that staying at home or remaining at least six-feet apart are necessary to curb coronavirus cases. The park board has even posted signs reminding people not to gather in groups.

Trevor Hagan@wpgphotog

Current situation near First Beach along English Bay in Vancouver. This is NOT

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On Saturday Vancouver Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung tagged the Vancouver Park Board on social media, asking it to shut down Andy Livingstone Park after CBC reporter Justin McElroy posted a video of soccer players ignoring health officials’ social distancing advice.

Sarah Kirby-Yung 楊瑞蘭@sarahkirby_yung

Hi @ParkBoard. At Andy Livingstone. Can we shut this field down now please. @j_mcelroy https://twitter.com/j_mcelroy/status/1241497064351162368 …

Justin McElroy@j_mcelroy

I keep posting video of the soccer games happening outside my house to show this isn’t a one-time group of people ignoring social distancing orders, but a constant stream of folks who should know better

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On Sunday, March 22, park board general manager Malcolm Bromley posted a video online showing staff removing logs from beaches to discourage people sitting close to one another.

malcolm bromley@vanparkGM

@ParkBoard staff removing logs from beaches to discourage sitting close to others. Please help us keep beaches safe and open.

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Basketball hoops at Kits Beach are also being taken down, while measures are being taken to limit access to other outdoor recreation facilities in Vancouver as well.

Vancouver Park Board@ParkBoard

COVID-19 Need to Know:

🆕 We have closed basketball and volleyball courts in parks and beaches. Our crews are working hard to access each of the courts in a timely fashion. Please help us spread the word and please do your part by staying off courts.

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FionaForbes@FionaForbes

Looks like they are taking down the basketball hoops at Kits Beach. Thank you @CityofVancouver @ParkBoard for making the right decision. (Photo shared by a friend Sunday morning.)

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Even Quarry Rock in Deep Cove and Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge were closed as of Sunday morning because visitors were failing to “keep 2 metres' distance, despite signs and staff enforcing physical distancing at trail entrances,” the District of North Vancouver announced.

District of North Vancouver@NVanDistrict

Quarry Rock and Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge closed until further notice, enforced as of 7 a.m. Sunday, March 22. Visitors are not following provincial health officer orders to keep 2 metres' distance, despite signs and staff enforcing physical distancing at trail entrances.

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That decision seemed to be having an effect on visitors to the area late Sunday morning.

Fiona Hughes@HughesFiona

This is the parking lot at a local school right now. Yesterday, it was full of people parking to hike the that's now CLOSED. I hope it stays empty. We are not on vacation.

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Federal health officials warned March 22 fines and arrests may be imposed if the problem continues. The Emergency Measures Act is on the table, according to Canada’s Health Minister Patty Hajdu.

Read more from the Vancouver Courier