Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) believes travel within B.C. this summer, including to destinations in its Coastal regions such as the Sunshine Coast, Powell River, and Sea-to-Sky corridor, can be done in a way that reduces the risk of transmission and keeps communities safe.
“Our coastal communities are renowned for their natural destinations and attract people from all over the world. These communities might not see international travellers this summer, but we know there are many people from other parts of B.C. and Canada looking to visit our region this summer,” said Dr. Geoff McKee, VCH medical health officer, in a July 23 release. “Visitors have a responsibility to respect the communities they’re coming to, follow public health advice and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to these smaller communities.”
VCH said in order to manage the risk, residents and visitors need to take precautions and tourism operators and other businesses are required to develop and implement COVID-19 safety plans that adhere to WorkSafeBC guidelines.
The health authority is encouraging people to notify VCH health protection if businesses are not following guidelines. Environmental health officers will respond to complaints from the public and take the appropriate enforcement action, if necessary, according to the release.
The advice for residents from VCH is to continue to take precautions, practice good hygiene and physical distancing, stay home if sick and get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Visitors are expected to respect community practices and restrictions and take precautions during their visit and VCH is asking that they follow the travel manners set out by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry:
· Check before you go
· Fewer faces in bigger spaces
· If sick, stay home
· Wash your hands
· Keep a safe physical distance
· Come prepared, bring supplies
· Respect travel advisories
VCH is also reminding the public that travel to Canada for non-essential reasons, such as for tourism, is currently prohibited and visitors arriving from international destinations on essential travel are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
VCH said it continues to monitor cases throughout the region and will alter recommendations as necessary.
For more information, go to vch.ca/covid19
- With files from Coast Reporter
