Resort Municipality of Whistler outlines physical distancing expectations for Easter long weekend

Each community member asked to do their part to flatten the curve of COVID-19

As the Easter long weekend approaches, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is reminding residents what proper physical distancing looks like as outlined by provincial health officials:

Okay:

• Staying home.
• Leaving your home for essential trips only.
• Get-togethers with household members.
• Walking/ biking with a couple of household members on open paths and trails.
• Staying at least 2 metres (6 feet) away from people not in your household.
• Using the Valley Trail when it is not busy.

Not okay:

• Indoor or outdoor get-togethers with people not in your household.
• Being in Whistler’s:
  • parks, (except when passing through on the Valley Trail)
  • dog parks,
  • skate park,
  • tennis courts​
  • Hiking the Train Wreck Trail.
  • Going to docks in Whistler's parks.
  • Using the Valley Trail as a group or when it is too busy to consistently be at least 2 metres from others.

“Our provincial medical officer has been very clear when communicating to all British Columbians that we are at a critical point when it comes to flattening the curve and limiting the number of COVID-19 cases,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “We need to each do our part and practice strict social distancing. This is not the time to relax or become complacent. The future of our community depends on physical distancing measures to save lives, reduce the burden on our healthcare facilities and allow tourists to return, businesses to re-open and our community to recover."

The RMOW has also released new guidelines for the Valley Trail to help allow for physical distancing. These include:

• No groups.
• When passing users going the same direction: Wait until you have at least 2m of space to pass.
• When passing users going in the opposite direction: Move to far right of trail, walk single file.
• Leash your dog(s).
• Avoid the Valley Trail during busy periods.

Signage along the Valley Trail will be added in the coming days to further share these guidelines. Whistler Bylaw and RCMP will have a strong presence throughout the Sea to Sky corridor this holiday weekend to remind everyone to practice proper physical distancing. Thank you in advance for your cooperation while they do their jobs.

Provincial health officials have asked all British Columbians to stay home this weekend and avoid all non-essential travel, including travel to other communities and vacation homes within B.C. The RMOW asks residents to please be considerate of other communities’ mutual desire to not have visitors at this time.

For the latest COVID-19 information from the Resort Municipality of Whistler visit: www.whistler.ca/covid19