Interior Health has announced that a COVID-19 cluster has been linked to Big White Ski Resort outside of Kelowna.
60 cases have been identified, with most transmission relating to shared housing. All identified cases are required to self-isolate and take all necessary precautions as outlined by the Office of the Provincial Health Officer. Public health is following up directly with close contacts of identified cases, providing guidance and support.
Interior Health is providing outreach testing throughout the Big White community. Those in the community are reminded to avoid social gatherings, maintain physical distance and restrict socialization to their immediate household bubble. Masks continue to be mandatory, even during essential activities.
According to Interior Health, the risk of transmission for families and individuals visiting Big White, provided they do not interact with those outside of their household bubble.
“We thank the community leadership at Big White for their ongoing support and collaboration, and we are confident with the safety plan in place by Big White Ski Resort Ltd.,” reads a statement from Interior Health.
“Outdoor activities at Big White are considered safe for anyone following public health direction such as physical distancing, wearing a face covering, and staying home when sick. Interior Health will monitor this cluster for additional cases and environmental public health has been in the community to review safety plans at a number of locations and provide guidance and support as required. We would also like to remind people to limit all non-essential travel. This means, sticking to your own communities and visiting your local ski hill only.”
If you believe you may have come in contact with a positive COVID-19 case at Big White, or have symptoms of the virus, testing is available for Big White locals by appointment only, which can be booked online at https://interiorhealthcovid.secureform.ca/index.php or by phone by calling 1-877-740-7747.
