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Many B.C. parks to re-open, but visitors must adhere to the 91Ƶgolden rules91Ƶ

Residents urged to practise COVID-19 protocols as some outdoor recreation restrictions are relaxed
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BC Parks are slated to begin gradually re-open as of Thursday, May 14, 2020, with some restrictions. (Black Press Media file photo)

Many of British Columbia91Ƶs provincial parks, protected areas and marine parks are to begin opening for day use today (Thursday, May 14), including many beaches, some picnic areas, washrooms, boat launches and trails, but park-goers must meet the guidelines of the B.C. Provincial Health Officer.

These guidelines include physical distancing, hand hygiene, not touching your face, coughing into your sleeve, and if you91Ƶre demonstrating any symptoms of a cold or flu, you91Ƶre to not leave your place of residence and stay away from others. The province is discouraging non-essential travel, and encouraging people to stay in their own communities. ( for more details on travel.)

BC Parks says some parks may take longer than anticipated to reopen and some popular B.C. parks that generally attract large crowds will remain closed. However, the province expects that provincial campgrounds and back-country camping in most locations will reopen on June 1. ( for each park91Ƶs current status.)

National parks are also slated to resume some operations on June 1, with some trails, day use areas, green spaces and recreational boating available at national parks, historic sites and waterways and national marine conservation areas. Camping will remain off limits until at least June 21, when the federal government will reassess whether it should be allowed.

However, the premier of British Columbia has said that travel to second homes and vacation spots is out of the question for the Victoria Day long weekend.

91ƵEvery corner of B.C. is spectacular,91Ƶ Premier John Horgan said. 91ƵWherever you live is an outstanding place. Stay there and enjoy it.91Ƶ

In addition, as B.C. begins to carefully relax some of the restrictions imposed because of the deadly COVID-19 virus, the province91Ƶs vital tourism industry is also planning to move into a new phase. Destination BC 91Ƶ a provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports tourism in British Columbia 91Ƶ is shifting from its #exploreBClater concept to developing a new campaign to promote hyper-local travel.

91Ƶ[It91Ƶs] to be a tourist in their hometown,91Ƶ Marsha Walden, CEO of Destination BC, said in a statement posted on May 8. 91Ƶ[It91Ƶs] to reignite interest in our museums, galleries and cultural sites, to remind our residents of how parks, beaches and outdoor spaces can strengthen their mental and physical well-being, and to support the small tourism businesses that are the foundation of our industry 91Ƶ all while adhering to the provincial health directives that are in place to protect us all.91Ƶ

Destination BC plans to focus on hyper-local marketing, with an #exploreBClocal campaign designed to urge people to be a 91Ƶtourist in their hometown.91Ƶ

The statement from Destination BC said it will be possible to visit parks, beaches and

outdoor spaces and support small tourism operators, 91Ƶall while adhering to the provincial health directives that are in place to protect us all.91Ƶ

At $6.7-billion in expenditures, it91Ƶs estimated that British Columbians spent nearly as much travelling abroad last year (excluding day trips to the U.S.), as the $7.3 billion that international travellers spent in B.C., according to the Destination BC statement.

Meanwhile, 91Ƶall travellers arriving in B.C. from outside of Canada are required by law to self-isolate for 14 days and complete a self-isolation plan,91Ƶ the B.C. Centre for Disease Control .



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