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B.C.'s Playland pushes back opening to May 25 over COVID travel restrictions

VANCOUVER — A Vancouver amusement park has delayed its opening until after the May long weekend amid concerns it will attract COVID-19 rule breakers.
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VANCOUVER — A Vancouver amusement park has delayed its opening until after the May long weekend amid concerns it will attract COVID-19 rule breakers. 

Playland says in a statement that it was set to open at the Pacific National Exhibition May 1 after developing a safety plan supported by Vancouver Coastal Health. 

However, it says concerns were raised that the opening could draw travel from outside the regional health authority during a discussion with the Provincial Health Office.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Monday that officials were working with Playland to consider the risks and benefits of opening the amusement park.

She said that while outside is safer than inside, "this is not the time that we want people coming together for recreational reasons."

Non-essential travel is prohibited between three different regions of the province until May 25. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 27, 2021.

The Canadian Press