Whistler wants to remind visitors “COVID-19 is not on vacation”

Visitors arriving in Whistler are being reminded that COVID-19 is not on vacation, even if they are. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and Tourism Whistler are encouraging everyone who chooses to spend time in Whistler this summer to be vigilant in following measures that help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The RMOW has implemented a number of safety measures throughout the resort, including signage, hand sanitation stations, divided pedestrian walkways along the Village Stroll, and encouraging the wearing of masks whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained.

“We want to do as much as we can to encourage visitors and residents to remain vigilant when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “We are thrilled to have visitors back in our community enjoying what Whistler has to offer but safety remains our highest priority. We’re encouraging Whistler businesses to have their safety measures very visible for customers. Visible safety measures are not only critical to our health and economy but they build confidence that Whistler is taking the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and working hard to ensure everyone’s safety."

The resort is also introducing new large posters at entrance points to the Village Stroll to remind everyone that the COVID-19 virus can be all around us and that physical distancing, frequent handwashing, staying home if sick, and wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The poster has a QR code that links to http://www.whistler.com/travel-manners where a list of suggestions for how visitors can have fun in Whistler with Dr. Bonnie Henry’s travel manners can be found.

“Tourism is Whistler’s lifeblood, so we are delighted to welcome visitors back to our destination this summer; however, the safety of our visitors and residents comes first,” says Tourism Whistler President & CEO, Barrett Fisher. “With the return of tourism, we want our visitors to feel welcome, our residents to feel comfortable, and all to feel safe. The only way this can be achieved is if everyone respects the new COVID-19 protocols Whistler has put in place.  We appreciate everyone doing their part.”

Whistler is also in the process of rolling out a new sticker program to recognize Whistler businesses that have worked hard to put in place visible measures such as posting their Safety Plan and maximum occupancy, placing Plexiglass barriers between staff and customers, clearly marking out physical distancing on their premises and in outdoor lineups, encouraging mask-wearing and having their staff model physical distancing and mask-wearing. The sticker has a QR code that links to Tourism Whistler’s Doors Open Directory (www.whistler.com/doorsopen) where consumers can learn more about how businesses in Whistler have modified their operations in response to COVID-19. Businesses can find information about the sticker program at whistler.ca/SafeRestart

More information about how Whistler has responded to COVID-19 is available at whistler.ca/covid19 and whistler.com/covid.