New provincial measures to help slow spread of COVID-19

Community asked to do everything they can to help stop the spread of COVID-19, masks must be worn in indoor public spaces, social gatherings paused 

The Province of British Columbia has extended and expanded its Provincial Health Orders (PHOs) that were set to expire on November 23. These PHOs will now be in effect until midnight December 7, 2020.

A new PHO requires anyone not exempt from wearing a mask to wear a mask in all indoor, public spaces. This new order includes:

• Grocery stores, liquor stores, clothing stores, restaurants and bars when not seated, all municipal facilities, drug stores, retail stores and common areas in hotels.
• Masks must be worn in all workplaces in shared spaces and workspaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• A customer can be refused service or entry if they do not wear a mask.

In addition to these orders, the Resort Municipality of Whistler strongly encourages everyone to wear a mask when on the Village Stroll.

"What the Provincial Health Orders underscore is the importance of each of us taking every precaution we can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and within our province,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “Let’s come together while apart and focus on what each of us needs to do to flatten the curve. Our goal is to stay open this winter. We need you to do your part by not helping COVID-19 spread. Stick to your core bubble, wear a mask when you go out and continue to physically distance from anyone not in your household or core bubble.”

In Whistler, the PHOs mean that until December 7, 2020 at midnight:

• No social gatherings of any size with anyone outside of your household or core bubble. Do not invite anyone to your home. This includes playdates. No gatherings outdoors or at restaurants with anyone outside of your household or core bubble.
• Masks must now be worn when working out at Meadow Park Sports Centre. Lane and family swim bookings are exempt from this requirement.
• Select group fitness classes at Meadow Park Sports Centre have been transitioned to take place via Zoom. Details can be found at whistler.ca/recreation. Any participant that was registered for a class that has been cancelled due to the new health orders will be contacted and credited accordingly.
• Squash and basketball court use at Meadow Park Sports Centre by the public along with any pool and arena rentals are limited to use in a “skills and drills” format to ensure that all users can maintain physical distancing while participating in the related activity.
• Meadow Park Sports Centre (MPSC) remains open by appointment only. Patrons can book a time up to 72 hours ahead for fitness centre use, lane swimming, family swim and public skating. A link to book online can be found at whistler.ca/recreation.
• All spin classes, hot yoga and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes in Whistler have been suspended indefinitely.
• Private gyms and recreation facilities that offer workouts and personal training can remain open as long as they have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place that is in place being strictly followed.
• Squash and basketball court use by the public along with any pool and arena rentals are limited to use in a “skills and drills” format to ensure that all users can maintain physical distancing while participating in the related activity.
• Meadow Park Sports Centre (MPSC) remains open by appointment only. Patrons can book a time up to 72 hours ahead for fitness centre use, lane swimming, family swim and public skating. A link to book online can be found at whistler.ca/recreation.
• Businesses are being asked to review their safety plans and conduct active health screening of all employees prior to entering the workplace.

Core bubble

A core bubble is meant to be as small as possible. For most people, their core bubble is their immediate household. Out of necessity, some people may have a core bubble that also includes a co-parent, caregiver or relative. People who live alone cannot host gatherings in their homes but can continue to see a maximum of two people they are close to as part of their core bubble.

Travel

The Province of British Columbia has advised everyone in B.C. to avoid or delay non-essential travel until after December 7. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province.

COVID-19 Testing

In Whistler, COVID-19 testing is available through the Sea to Sky Divisions of Family Practice. There is no cost for a COVID-19 test and B.C. MSP coverage is not required. Anyone concerned that they might require a COVID-19 test should first use the BC Centre for Disease Control’s self-assessment tool at www.bccdc.ca Information about how to get a COVID-19 test in Whistler can be found at https://whistlermedicalclinic.com/covid/

It is critically important that anyone who has been told to self-isolate do so properly. This means that you do not leave your home or have contact with anyone outside of your household for 14 days, even if you have had a negative COVID-19 test. If you share a home with non-family members and are asked to self-isolate, please stay in your room, wear a mask in common spaces and disinfect any surfaces you touch. More specific information about how to self-isolate can be found at www.bccdc.ca