VANCOUVER - Liquor stores in British Columbia are adjusting their hours but will remain open as Vancouver ordered restaurants to stop offering dine-in services at midnight on Friday.
The provincial government says hours are changing at BC Liquor Stores so that staff can do additional cleaning to minimize the risk to employees and customers from COVID-19.
When necessary, the number of customers allowed in stores will also be limited to maintain self-distancing.
The government says there are no shortages of beer, wine or spirits but the stores have not been able to keep shelves stocked because of an increase in sales.
In Vancouver, Mayor Kennedy Stewart says the order for restaurants to stop offering dine-in service will be enforced and those that do not comply will get a notice that could escalate to prosecution for non-compliance.
"The latest numbers continue to demonstrate that despite the extraordinary efforts of federal, provincial and local governments, we are one of the hardest hit regions in the country," Stewart said.
As of Thursday, the Vancouver Coastal Health region had 56 per cent of COVID-19 cases in B.C. and 18 per cent of all cases in the country, he said.
"That is why we need to keep taking bold action."
The provincial government ordered all bars and nightclubs to close earlier this week.
Stewart acknowledged that the city took the decision to mandate the closure of dine-in services seriously, noting it will mean hardship for workers and business owners.
"But this is an action that is implemented in many other cities around the world and we felt we needed to act sooner, rather than later," he added.
"It's all about keeping people safe."
He said many non-essential businesses and services are already limiting the number of people permitted inside, switching to delivery or making the difficult decision to close.
"My message to all retailers who remain open is this: Now is the time to take aggressive action (and) do your part to limit the spread of COVID-19. If we continue to see non-essential retailers and service providers ignoring our new reality, we will not hesitate to take further action."
Playgrounds across the city are also being closed.
The city declared a state of local emergency earlier this week.
Sandra Singh, the city's manager of arts, culture and community services, says there is also a plan in place for the potential use of Vancouver's community centres as shelters for homeless people.
British Columbia has recorded 271 cases of the novel coronavirus including eight deaths.