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Update: Richmond follows Vancouver in closing most sports facilities to halt COVID-19 spread

The City of Richmond has followed the lead of Vancouver in closing most of its sports facilities in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The City of Richmond has followed the lead of Vancouver in closing most of its sports facilities in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Vancouver Parks Board made the move Sunday morning after shameful scenes saw thousands of people flocking to the city's beaches and parks on a sunny spring Saturday.

However, Richmond made a similar move Sunday evening, by shutting down the vast majority of its sports fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, skate parks, bike parks, lacrosse boxes and the West Richmond outdoor fitness area.

Vancouver announced Sunday morning it was in the process of shutting down all of its outdoor recreation facilities in parks and beaches to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

The citys parks board made the call after witnessing Saturday thousands of people swarming to its beaches and parks in apparent defiance of public health officials pleas to avoid large gatherings and maintain a two-metre social distance.

The closure affects volleyball courts, tennis courts, skate parks and sports fields.

According to the boards social media posts, park crews have also started taking down basketball hoops in Kitsilano Sunday morning.

The Richmond News reported yesterday how Richmond closed all of its playgrounds to the public.

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