Province to further ease COVID-19 restrictions
Effective Friday, April 8, 2022, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) employees, contractors and volunteers will no longer be required to have COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of their employment. Restrictions will be removed for employees on unpaid leave and those individuals may return to work as of Monday, April 11.
In consideration of current public health guidance, Council approved a recommendation to rescind the COVID-19 vaccination policy at the Closed Council meeting on April 5, 2022.
The requirement for COVID-19 vaccination remains for federal government employees including RMOW employees and contractors working within the R.C.M.P. detachment.
“While COVID-19 is still with us, the high levels of vaccination in our workplace and community have allowed us to move forward in how we manage health and safety risks within the workplace,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “We are seeing the Province and other agencies move away from mandated requirements of the BC Vaccine Card and COVID-19 Safety Plans. We must all manage our own individual health and respect that people’s comfort levels may differ from our own”.
The RMOW reminds the public that while transmission is low within Whistler, it’s important to continue using our COVID-19 safety measures:
- Get vaccinated, and if eligible, schedule a booster;
- Monitor symptoms, and stay home when unwell;
- Maintain good hand hygiene; and
- Wear a mask if you choose.
Upcoming changes to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions
The Province is moving ahead with its previously announced plans to further ease COVID-19 restrictions. The following changes will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 8, 2022:
- The BC Vaccine Card proof of vaccination is no longer required to access non-essential events, services and businesses.
- Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan and will transition back to communicable disease plans.
- Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing
Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue to require proof of vaccination and/or masks for entry. Please be respectful of businesses and individuals that choose to continue to do so.
In addition to the easing of restrictions, the Province announced a spring booster campaign program for seniors in long-term care and assisted living facilities. Community-dwelling seniors over the age of 70 and Indigenous people over the age of 55 will also begin receiving invitations for a spring booster dose.
Meadow Park Sports Centre proof of vaccination no longer required
Starting Friday, April 8, the RMOW is excited to welcome all users back to Meadow Park Sports Centre (MPSC). Proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access MPSC for all activities. Proof of vaccination was a requirement under the Province of B.C.’s Public Health Order. For the latest updates and changes to operations, visit Whistler.ca/MPSC.
The RMOW will continue to adjust programs and services as required to follow the recommendations of the Provincial Health Officer. For more information, visit whistler.ca/COVID19.
