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A notice on the NVRC website states that all indoor adult art programs and studio times are suspended as of April 27 based on guidance provided by Vancouver Coastal Heath.
“This suspension includes adult art classes, music classes, pottery studio time and woodworking studio time,” the notice reads.
NVRC staff are currently cancelling affected programs and visits as well as processing account credits.
B.C. has been in a multi-week “circuit breaker” to try and bend the curve of new COVID-19 cases since March 30, when a slew of new public health orders on restaurants and indoor adult group fitness classes were introduced.
The amended orders were to be in effect until April 19 but have been extended to May 25.
While provincial rules and guidelines don’t explicitly mention adult art classes as part of the public health order, NVRC has suspended its art classes “out of an abundance of caution and based on input from Vancouver Coastal Health” as the province reckons with the third wave of the pandemic, said Anne Rodgers, spokeswoman for NVRC.
“They said it’s a good idea to do this to at least past the May long weekend,” said Rodgers, adding that services and programs at North Vancouver community centres and rec spaces are continually reviewed based on changing provincial health orders and consultations with the health authority. “Based on the current ‘circuit-breaker’ approach in the province, we consulted with Vancouver Coastal Health and were directed to pause indoor adult art programs until at least after the May long weekend.”
NVRC has confirmed that the suspension of adult art classes was not due to a COVID exposure of any kind.
“We’re not aware of any transmissions in any of our programs,” said Rodgers. “We reached out to Vancouver Coastal Health.”
Community centres in West Vancouver suspended their adult art classes last month following the initial circuit-breaker announcement.
In North Vancouver, community centres are still allowing certain pre-registered programs and services, such as aquatics, skating, singles racquet sports, children’s programs, individual fitness centre visits and a number of outdoor fitness programs.
“We’re looking forward to after the long weekend to see if there’s new information. We have continued to provide as many services as possible within the restrictions,” said Rodgers.
