Photo: Big White Ski Resort
UPDATE 3:20 p.m.
Big White Ski Resort officials say they “will act quickly and decisively to take into account the living conditions of our employees who live outside of our managed residences.”
Senior Vice President Michael J. Ballingall made the statement after Interior Health revealed a group of 60 COVID-19 cases on the ski slope.
“Big White Ski Resort Ltd. would like to assure you that we are taking this matter incredibly seriously,” Ballingall said in the statement.
“We are not aware of any transmissions in the workplace of our company. This includes transmissions between employees at work and transmissions between employees and guests. Our top priority is protecting the health of our employees and everyone who visits and uses the Big White Ski Resort. “
He says the cases are the result of group housing and social gatherings.
The ski resort is working with community members, the Kootenay Boundary and RCMP to minimize the risk and prevent further spread.
“We thank Big White’s community leadership for their continued support and collaboration and we are confident that Big White Ski Resort Ltd.’s safety plan has been implemented,” the statement said.
“Outdoor activities at Big White are considered safe for anyone who follows public health instructions, such as physical distancing, wearing a face covering, and staying home when they are sick. Interior Health will cluster this on additional cases and monitor public environmental health in the community. Review safety plans at a number of locations and provide guidance and assistance if necessary. We also want to remind people to limit all non-essential travel. This means that you are on your own Keep communities and only visit your local ski slope. “
ORIGINAL 2.45 p.m.
A large COVID-19 cluster has been identified at the Big White Ski Resort.
Interior Health confirmed the cluster in a press release Tuesday afternoon, saying that large households and social gatherings appear to be responsible for much of the broadcast.
“Our investigation found 60 cases of COVID-19 related to Big White, mainly due to community-related transmissions,” the press release said in part.
“All identified cases need to self-isolate and the public health continues to directly monitor their close contacts with guidance and support.”
The health authority is reminding all members of the Big White Community to practice social distancing and limit socializing to immediate household bubbles.
The first confirmed cases from Interior Health were discovered in Big White on Monday, suggesting a test team was deployed on the ski slope to “speed up the testing.” At this point, Interior Health did not provide how many cases were discovered.
Despite the size of the cluster, IH officials say the risk to families and individuals visiting Big White is small as long as they adhere to safety guidelines.
“Interior Health will be monitoring this cluster for additional incidents, and public environmental health has been in the community to review safety plans at a number of locations and provide guidance and support as needed.
“We’d also like to remind people to restrict all non-essential travel. This means sticking to your own communities and visiting your local ski slope daily.”
