Whistler’s guidelines for a safe restart

Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan

As of July 1, 2021, BC entered step 3 of it’s restart plan. The criteria for Step 3 was that at least 70% of the 18+ population were vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and declining COVID-19 hospitalization. In Step 3 of the Restart plan, employers are no longer required to maintain a COVID-19 Safety Plan, and can instead transition to communicable disease prevention. To learn more, see the statement issued by the provincial health officer on June 17 to employers on transitioning from COVID-19 Safety Plans to communicable disease prevention.

WorkSafeBC has created a four-step process to help employers reduce the risk of communicable disease in their workplace which has been included in their communicable disease prevention: A guide for employers document. The guide includes a template that will help employers in documenting and communicating their communicable disease prevention measures, practices, and policies.

As we navigate these unprecedented times, it is critical that all Whistler businesses take a proactive approach to ensuring all required practices are in place in order to manage risk – both for the community and visitors alike. The Provincial Health Officer has ordered specific practices to be implemented and these orders must be followed.  Guidance has also been provided for specific industry sectors below. 

Our community’s recovery relies on each of us doing our part.

The RMOW encourages all individuals to take recommendations from public health officials very seriously and is taking steps to support businesses to understand and implement what is required for their respective industry sector. In addition to this, the RMOW is encouraging those visiting Whistler Village and Whistler’s parks and outdoor areas to follow the following best practices:

Business Toolkit

The RMOW recommends that you review the BC’s Restart: A plan to bring us back together page to become familiar with PHO guidance to help guide your business recovery. More information can be here:

• Click here to access WorkSafeBC’s guidance for Step 3 of BC’s Restart
• Click here to download “Communicable disease prevention: A guide for employers“
• Click here to download “BC’s Golden Rules for Everyday Life”
• Click here to access WorkSafeBC Information for Businesses

For more information about available resources, contact economicdevelopment@whistler.ca .

Core Workplace Guidelines

To ensure the safety of the Whistler community and those visiting, it is important to maintain certain COVID-19 protocol throughout stage 3 of BC’s restart.  While the majority of measures implemented at workplaces to manage the COVID-19 pandemic through 2020 and the beginning of 2021 are no longer required in most workplaces, it’s possible that some of the same or similar measures may be required to manage communicable disease transmission in the workplace. Ongoing measures that should be maintained at all times are as follows:

• Implementing policies to support staff who have symptoms of a communicable disease (for example, fever and/or chills, recent onset of coughing, diarrhea), so they can avoid being at the workplace when sick
• Promoting hand hygiene by providing hand hygiene facilities with appropriate supplies and reminding employees through policies and signage to wash their hands regularly and to use appropriate hygiene practices
• Maintaining a clean environment through routine cleaning processes
• Ensuring building ventilation is properly maintained and functioning as designed
• Supporting employees in receiving vaccinations for vaccine-preventable conditions to the extent that you are able