The Pacific National Exhibition has announced that it is postponing its planned Playland opening until the end of May.

The previously scheduled launch this Saturday (May 1) would have seen the amusement park opening on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all of May. Hours were expected to be expanded for summer months.

In a news release sent out today (April 27) at 4:05 p..m., the PNE said that travel restrictions still in force with the latest provincial state-of-emergency extension taking effect on April 28 led to the decision.

"During discussions today with the Provincial Health Office concerns were raised related to Playland drawing travel outside of the regional health authorities," the release said. "Due to this concern, we were asked to remain closed until after the May long weekend to support the provincial circuit breaker."

The release did not provide an exact opening date. The May long weekend ends with Victoria Day on May 24, a Monday.

The PNE had previously stated that guests would be required to wear masks on rides and in lineups and should not travel from other health regions to attend the annual pre-fair summer Playland opening.