Vancouver Park Board is deploying staff to patrol city parks and beaches

The Vancouver Park Board is deploying more than two dozen of its staff to patrol city parks and beaches, making people aware of physical distancing and public etiquette around sharing outdoor space during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board says in a release that the workers will help park rangers who have issued more than 1,400 warnings for people to adhere to the two-metre distance rule.

Camil Dumont, chairman of the board, says recreational areas remain open in recognition of the important role outdoor spaces play in health and wellness.

However, he says public safety is the highest priority and those using the space are being urged to remain two metres apart.