What happened: The province has ordered bars and nightclubs in B.C. to close, and restaurants that cannot maintain one to two metres between patrons to move to take-out-only models.
Why it matters: The order took effect at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, and will remain in effect until further notice.
All bars and nightclubs throughout the province have been ordered to close for an indefinitely period of time as the Province of British Columbia and federal government coordinate their response to the spread of COVID-19.
The provincial government made the announcement ahead of what would normally have been a busy St. Patrick's Day for watering holes on Granville Street and in downtown cores throughout the province. The order applies to businesses with primary liquor licences.
Restaurants and cafés that cannot maintain one to two metres between patrons must also move to take-out-only models for the foreseeable future.
The decision follows a declaration of a public health emergency in B.C. by the provincial health officer.
