Tourism Âé¶čAV is encouraging the community to âplay safe and stay safeâ after a recent outbreak of COVID-19.
As of Tuesday, July 21, Interior Health has identified more than 70 test-positive cases of the virus related to the Âé¶čAV exposures compared to âover 60â the day previous. Six employees at Âé¶čAV General Hospital also tested positive over the weekend, but no further cases among hospital staff have been reported.
âBalancing the important public health issue and helping businesses recover from the devastating effects of COVID19 is delicate, and one we take very seriously,â said Lisanne Ballantyne, president and CEO of Tourism Âé¶čAV.
Ballantyne said Tourism Âé¶čAV realized with the move into Phase Three of the restart plan, travel in B.C. would increase as would the possibility of risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
âThis is expected and was planned for, as we reopened more of our economy. Provincial public health leaders have a plan in place to identify and respond to issues. We value the important work they do and the role they play in keeping our community, and those who visit our community, safe,â she said.
Tourism Âé¶čAV is providing health and safety messaging on its website and social media channels to remind visitors to be mindful of the spread of the virus and to travel in the city safely and responsibly.
READ MORE: As COVID-19 cases linked to Âé¶čAV top 70, those possibly exposed denied testing
Ballantyne is encouraging the community to pay close attention to public health guidance and recommendations and for businesses to close temporarily if they so need to.
âWe applaud any businesses who, if notified by Interior Health, chooses to shut down temporarily and voluntarily, or who enhances their health protocols as this demonstrates a commitment to protect the health of their customers and staff,â said Ballantyne. âThey are doing the right thing for the destination.â
For ways to explore safely in Âé¶čAV amid COVID-19, click .
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