Parking will be free at all B.C. hospitals starting Wednesday

In an effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the province will no longer require people to pay for parking at any of its hospitals and health care centres.

The change takes effect on Wednesday, April 1, as announced by Health Minister Adrian Dix at his daily update on COVID-19 that was given in conjunction with provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

“This change makes it easier for individuals to avoid touching screens and buttons and payment kiosks that somebody may have touched previously and is also a physical distancing measure that has been mandated by our provincial health officer,” Dix said.

Interior Health said in a media release the suspension of pay parking for the public, staff and physicians at its sites where pay parking exists is temporary. The free parking will be in place until further notice.

"To ensure equitability for all staff and medical staff, whether they are working from home or at health authority sites, Interior Health is also temporarily suspending payroll deductions for parking fees," the release stated.

For the latest information on COVID-19 from Interior Health, go here.

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