The District of Hope has closed playgrounds at Memorial Park and Kawkawa Lake, the latest step in response to the spread of coronavirus.
Monday around noon the district announced via its Facebook page that “in light of the current situation and in the interest of public safety” the playgrounds would close. The measures follow on an announcement Thursday to close public washrooms and in-person services at municipal hall.
In an urgent letter Monday, Hope’s doctors and nurse practitioners urged people of Hope to “stay home, unless absolutely necessary.” The letter also asks people to practice social distancing, adding that “lives depend on your actions now.”
“In this unprecedented time, we are working hard and the community can help by choosing to stay home, social distance in efforts to reduce transmission,” the letter read. “The time is now. We can’t wait one more hour or one more day.”
Read more: The letter from Hope’s medical practitioners, in full
Several municipalities across the province are ramping up their responses to the growing number of COVID-19 cases. The Village of Harrison Hot Springs has closed to visitors and has declared a local state of emergency. The actions came after an open letter from residents implored visitors to stay away.
“This is a hard message for us to send as we know how many of your cherish Harrison Hot Springs, but we as you to respect our community and this request to stay home for now,” the letter from the residents reads. “We…fully understand the inclination to seek escape in the outdoors during difficult times, but the reality is that doing so right now risks lives in this area.”
Read more: Harrison Hot Springs declares state of emergency, officially closed to visitors
Hope’s Mayor Peter Robb will speak at council Monday evening, to give a community update on COVID-19. The district is expected to livestream the meeting via its Facebook page and the Hope Standard will share this update as soon as we get it.
