COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

By order and direction of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), all gathering and events are suspended to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions. The order came into effect November 19, 2020 at midnight and will be kept in place until further notice based on direction from the PHO.

Please follow all Public Health Orders and recommendations:

Masks are mandatory in all public indoor and retail spaces in B.C.
Avoid all non-essential travel. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province.
No social gatherings of any size with anyone other than your household or core bubble
Stay at least 2 metres (6 feet) from others in public. Give others space to keep their distance too.

Last updated: February 24 (9:30 a.m.)

Latest news

February 24, 2021

February 18, 2021

COVID-19 in Whistler: A Coordinated Community Approach (February 17, 2021)
COVID-19 update for Whistler - Vancouver Coastal Health

February 12, 2021

COVID-19 Fact Sheet: February 12, 2021

February 5, 2021

Vancouver Coastal Health advises Whistler residents to remain vigilant in their response to COVID-19
Today, the Provincial Health Officer extended the existing orders on gatherings and events. The orders will be in place until further notice.
Enhanced health and safety measures for K-12 education.

Additional Resources

COVID-19 poster: Five common questions
Download the Isolation Preparedness Guide
COVID-19 Fact Sheet: January 21, 2021
Updated Frequently Asked Questions from the COVID-19 Community Information Session (February 5 edition)

Community COVID-19 Information Session

On January 21, Mayor Crompton and Whistler Council joined doctors from the Whistler Health Care Centre and community leaders to share updates about the latest COVID-19 situation in Whistler and the steps being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Questions and answers from the session is posted below. Please note, this document will be updated as we receive responses from our panelists. If you were not able to attend the session, please email your questions to communications@whistler.ca.

Watch the video recording of the session
Updated Frequently Asked Questions from the COVID-19 Community Information Session (February 5 edition)

Session panelists included:

Dr. John Harding, Medical Health Officer- Sea to Sky, Vancouver Coastal Health
Dr. Olivia Bailey and Dr. Karin Kausky, Whistler Health Care Centre
Lisa McCullough, Superintendent School District 48 (Sea to Sky)
Jackie Dickinson, Executive Director, Whistler Community Services Society
Geoff Buchheister, Chief Operating Officer, Whistler Blackcomb
Virginia Cullen, Chief Administrative Officer, Resort Municipality of Whistler
Barrett Fisher, President and CEO, Tourism Whistler
Melissa Pace, CEO Whistler Chamber of Commerce

Stay informed

Visit whistler.ca for the latest news from the Resort Municipality of Whistler including advisories and notifications or follow the RMOW on social media. View the channel directory at whistler.ca/GetInvolved.

Social services

Whistler Community Services Society is able to provide assistance to anyone in our community struggling with proper self isolation. Whether you need food, hygiene products, financial assistance and connectivity- support is available.

Book an appointment with an outreach worker at mywcss.org/contact-outreach/.

There are a variety of programs and resources available to support the health and wellbeing of the Whistler community throughout the COVID-19 situation. For more information about local, provincial and federal resources, visit the Community health and social services page.

Whistler Alert

Whistler Alert is Whistler’s emergency notification system. It is used only during emergencies where there is an immediate threat to lives or property. For example: an evacuation alert or order, shelter in place order or boil water notice.

Whistler Recovery Working Group

Two working groups comprised of community-wide representatives were formed in 2020 to coordinate Whistler's COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. Taking key information from community input as well as sector groups, the Whistler Recovery Working Group and the Social Services Working Group are helping to identify key short term actions for the municipality and other organizations toward pandemic recovery. Learn more.

News Releases

All RMOW News Releases

2021

January 21: Message from Mayor Crompton about COVID-19 cases in Whistler

2020

December 22: Feed the Need supports local food banks
November 27: BC Transit mandatory face covering policy update
November 20: New provincial measures to help slow spread of COVID-19
November 10: Whistler Mayor appeals to community to help keep Whistler open
October 28: Whistler Public Library welcomes the community with Express Visits
September 2: As long weekend approaches, RMOW reminds COVID-19 fines are possible
August 18: BC Transit to hand out face coverings in Whistler
August 14: What to know before heading to Whistler
August 6: BC Transit to mandate use of face coverings
August 6: Meadow Park Sports Centre reactivates additional programs and facilities
July 30: Whistler wants to remind visitors "COVID-19 is not on vacation"
July 9: RMOW moves to contactless Kids on the Go registration for Fall 2020
July 8: Community Conversations to bring Whistler together to discuss COVID-19 experiences
June 12: RMOW Council approves streamlined approval process for temporary patios
June 9: Summer transportation operations modified due to COVID-19
May 29: Municipal hall to re-open for customer service June 1
May 28: Whistler Public Library launches Library to Go program
May 28: Temporary patio area expansions for Whistler food and beverage establishments
May 19: Public reminded to make smart choices when outside in Whistler's opened parks and trails
May 7: Council approves major changes to 2020 municipal budget
April 28: COVID-19 pandemic prompts budget review
April 20: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District communities launch "Feed the Need" program to support local food banks
April 8: Resort Municipality of Whistler outlines physical distancing expectations for Easter long weekend
April 8: Communities in Squamish-Lillooet Regional District ask visitors not to come
April 3: Resort partners collaborate to relocate Whistler Food Bank.
April 2: Resort Municipality moves more services online
March 26: COVID-19 response update
March 22, 2020: RMOW closing all playgrounds, skate park, tennis and basketball courts and gathering areas in parks
March 19: Resort Municipality of Whistler News Release- COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disease in Whistler
March 19: Whistler Today Newsletter on COVID-19 response in Whistler
March 17:In response to the BC Ministry of Education's decision to indefinitely suspend all public schools until further notice, the RMOW will continue to offer full-day Kids on the Go programming for the children of parents who are required to attend their workplace to provide essential community services.
March 16: RMOW closing all non-essential facilities and programs

Mayor’s messages

View all video updates from Mayor Jack Crompton

2021

February 19: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update (featuring Dr. Kausky)
February 8: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
February 2: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
January 29: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update (featuring Dr. Kausky and Dr. Bayley)
January 25: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
January 18: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
January 12: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
January 5: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update

2020

December 30: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
December 23: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
December 14: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
December 7: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
November 27: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
November 21: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
November 13: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
November 11: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
November 6: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
October 30: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
October 23: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
October 16: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
October 9: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
October 2: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
September 25: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
September 18: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
September 8: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
August 21: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
August 14: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
August 6: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
July 24: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
July 21: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
July 17: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
July 11: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
July 3: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
June 25: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
June 19: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
June 12: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
June 4: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 28: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 22: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 19: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 15: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 8: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
May 6: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
April 30: A message from Mayor Jack Crompton
April 29: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
April 24: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 update
April 18: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
April 3: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
April 1: Mayor Crompton's covid-19 video update
March 27: Mayor Crompton's COVID-19 video update
March 25: Message to visitors from Mayor Jack Crompton
March 20, 2020: Message from Mayor Jack Crompton
March 16: Message from Mayor Jack Crompton
March 14:
Mayor Jack Crompton has shared a statement on the temporary closure of Whistler Blackcomb.

The RMOW has activated its Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to ensure we can continue to provide important community services during these challenging times.

In Whistler, we wear masks

In Whistler, there are many good reasons to wear a mask: to help protect our vulnerable community members, to help protect our front-line workers, to help local businesses survive by helping to avoid a second lock down and so that we can ski and ride and enjoy our winter season.

Masks are now mandatory in all indoor public and retail spaces in B.C. Learn more.

In Whistler, we wear masks but please remember there are people who are exempt from wearing masks. There are the following exemptions:

Children under two years of age; or children under the age of five years either chronologically or developmentally who refuse to wear a mask or face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver;
Persons with medical conditions who cannot safely wear a mask or face covering (e.g. due to breathing difficulties, cognitive difficulties, hearing or communication difficulties);
Persons who cannot wear or remove a mask or face covering without assistance;
Staff who are in an non-publicly accessible area where 2m physical distance can be maintained (e.g. within a private office), or who are within or behind a physical barrier (e.g. Plexiglass);
Persons actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity, including water-based activities;
Persons consuming food or drink.

If you see someone not wearing a mask, don’t assume they refuse to. Let’s all give everyone the benefit of doubt. We can only control our own actions and attitudes, please do not confront someone who is not wearing a mask. Please be kind, be calm and be safe.

COVID-19 Safety Plan

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is committed to protecting the health and safety of its residents, visitors and staff. WorkSafe BC requires a COVID-19 Safety Plan for any business resuming operations following interruptions due to COVID-19.

Facility-specific procedures have also been introduced to ensure safe operations as RMOW programs and services resume. Masks will be mandatory in all RMOW facilities beginning October 26, 2020. Learn more.

View the RMOW's COVID-19 Safety Plan and procedures.

Re-opening status of RMOW facilities

Municipal hall - open
Public Safety Building - closed
Whistler Public Library - Operating Express Visits. Online services also available.
Garbage, composting and recycling depots - open
Whistler cemetery - open
The Youth Centre - open by reservation.
Meadow Park Sports Centre - open by reservation. Fitness centre, squash courts, fitness classes and main swimming pool available.
Myrtle Philip Community Centre - open for Kids on the Go and select bookings.
Spring Creek Community Centre - closed
Whistler Olympic Plaza - open
Lost Lake PassivHaus - open for Cross Country Connection rentals and cafe.
Municipal parks - open
Municipal trails - open.

RMOW Council presentations

April 21: Emergency Operations Centre update
April 7: Emergency Operations Centre update

Business guidelines for a safe restart

All B.C. businesses are required to have a COVID-19 safety plan and should be proactive and ensure all required practices are in place before reopening. For what you need to know to keep employees, the community and visitors safe, visit the whistler.ca/saferestart page.

RMOW operations and facilities

It is important to note that the RMOW takes direction from Vancouver Coastal Health when it comes to decisions on public health issues. They are the lead agency on all public health matters in Whistler and are responsible for ensuring the health and safety and providing direction to the community if there were to be an outbreak. VCH works in concert with the BC Centre for Disease Control and the Public Health Agency of Canada and is the best organization to respond to questions about efforts to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Emergency planning

Emergency planning is core to the work a municipality does to ensure we can continue to provide services to the community, whether planning for a pandemic, flood or wildfire. We are required by provincial legislation to have a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan in place that outlines how we would continue essential municipal services if facing a hazard in the community. We encourage all residents to visit whistler.ca/emergency to find out how to prepare for any emergency that may affect our community.