Group of travellers that visited Whistler test positive for COVID-19

The Vancouver Coastal Health authority has confirmed a group of travellers who visited Whistler this month tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), they were informed by VCH yesterday afternoon.

The group was in Whistler between March 8 and 13.

A letter from VCH says that you might have come in contact with the virus if you attended the following locations:

• Rendez-vous Chalet, Whistler Mountain, Mar 9 between 1-2 pm and Mar 10 between 12-2 pm
• Dubh Linn Gate Pub, Mar 10 between 12 - 3 pm
• Escape Room, Mar 13 between 1:30 to 4 pm

The letter continues, saying that one or more of the individuals has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Though the risk of transmission is low, VCH is notifying people who may have been present at the above locations.

If so, you should monitor yourself for fever, cough, malaise, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, until March 27. You are also asked to avoid public spaces and places where you cannot keep a distance of at least two metres from others.

Officials say that they are working with health authorities to deal with the situation.

“We know this news can cause significant concern among residents and visitors. The RMOW is being guided by local, provincial and federal health authorities and is following all actions recommended by VCH’s Medical Officer of Health,” said a statement.

The municipality and VCH did not disclose how many travellers were in the group, or what condition the individuals are in.

They are asking people to practice social distancing, which means avoid all non-essential trips into the community, postponing or cancelling gatherings and events, working from home if possible, keeping children away from group settings, washing hands often and staying at least two metres away from others.

Whistler RCMP, Whistler Fire Service and RMOW Bylaw are out in the community directing the public to follow these practices.