Vancouver public spaces empty out amid call for social distancing
Ben Nelms | CBC News | Posted: March 13, 2020 8:47 PM | Last Updated: March 13, 2020
Store owners see a drop in business due to fears around COVID-19
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: A man is pictured walking at Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Amid calls for social distancing due to the spread of COVID-19, Metro Vancouverites are taking heed.
Many public spaces around the region saw a drop in foot traffic, leaving eerily empty stores, plazas and food courts.
Ralf Dauce, the owner of The Soup Meister in North Vancouver's Lonsdale Quay Market, says there's been a 15 to 20 per cent drop in traffic to his business.
"The last couple of weeks, the overall business in the afternoon … has slowed down a little bit," Daus said, adding people were choosing to buy more takeaway products than staying and eating.
"I find that people mingle a little bit less than they used to, especially on the weekends."
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: Lonsdale Quay is pictured in North Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, has recommended British Columbians practise social distancing in order to restrict or stop the spread of the virus. This includes reducing or cancelling large public gatherings and events and avoiding close contact in public spaces.
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: A worker paints a display at Hudson’s Bay on Granville street in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
The Aberdeen Centre in Richmond B.C., which had already experienced a slowdown in traffic earlier this year after news of COVID-19 spreading in China kept customers away, continues to see fewer patrons.
Michael Sun, owner of Lotus Seats in the Aberdeen Centre, says it has been 30 per cent slower than normal since the Chinese New Year.
"It's the coronavirus," Sun said, adding most people are just staying at home.
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: Aberdeen Mall in Richmond, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Henry, who has been the public face of B.C.'s response to the virus, said it was important to note these social distancing measures are temporary.
"These are measures for now. They are not forever," she said.
"These are things we think are incredibly important for all of us in society as ways to stop the spread, to slow down [so]....we can prevent transmission to those who are most vulnerable, so we can protect our health-care system."
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: Robson Square is pictured in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: Robson and Granville street are pictured in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: Empty tables during lunch hour in the food court at the Richmond Public Market in Richmond, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: A shop owner is pictured at the Richmond Public Market in Richmond, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Infectious disease experts warn masks are ineffective at protecting the wearer and run the risk of draining the supply for medical professionals. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: Lonsdale Quay is pictured in North Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: Robson Square is pictured in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: A woman waits to cross the street at the intersection of Robson and Thurlow street in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | Granville Island
Caption: In Vancouver's False Creek Neighbourhood, Granville Island is one of the most most flood-vulnerable areas. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: Shoppers at Granville Island in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: Vancouver City Centre Skytrain station is pictured at the intersection of Granville and Georgia street in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: A woman sleeps in the Pacific Centre food court in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Image | COVID-19 Public spaces check
Caption: Shoppers at Richmond Public Market in Richmond, British Columbia on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us at impact@cbc.ca
More Stories Like This
The related links below are generated automatically based on the story you’ve just read.