Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) believes travel within BC this summer, including destinations in its region, which include Powell River and qathet Regional District, 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 BC and Canada looking to visit our region this summer,” stated Dr. Geoff McKee, VCH medical health officer, in a media 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.”
According to the media release, in order to manage the risk, residents and visitors need to take precautions. Tourism operators and other businesses are required to develop and implement COVID-19 safety plans that adhere to WorkSafeBC guidelines.
VCH encourages people to notify VCH health protectionif 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. Residents should continue to take precautions, practicing good hygiene and physical distancing, as well as staying home if sick (and getting tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms).
Visitors are expected to respect community practices and restrictions and take precautions during their visit. The release recommends following the travel mannersset 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
The release stated that travel to Canada for non-essential reasons, such as for tourism, is currently prohibited. Visitors arriving from international destinations for essential reasons are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
The release states that VCH continues to monitor cases throughout the region and will alter recommendations as necessary.
COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets when a person who is sick coughs or sneezes, according to the release. It can also be spread when a healthy person touches an object or surface (e.g. a doorknob or a table) with the virus on it, and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands.
Most people who get COVID-19 have only mild disease, but a few people can get very sick and may need to go to hospital. Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of smell and/or diarrhea.
For more information, go to vch.ca/covid19.
