Image Credit: Submitted to Vernon Matters

By Pete McIntyre / Vernon Matters

COVID-19

Sixty COVID-19 cases linked to community cluster at Big White

Dec 15, 2020 | 3:04 PM

BIG WHITE, B.C. — Sixty cases of COVID-19 have been connected to Big White Mountain.

Interior Health (IH) has announced a cluster linked to the popular ski area east of Kelowna.

“Our investigation reveals 60 cases of COVID-19 related to Big White; mostly from transmission related to shared housing. All identified cases are required to self-isolate and public health continues to follow-up directly with their close contacts with guidance and support,” an IH news release stated.

The health agency said large households and social gatherings appear to be responsible for much of the transmission related to the cluster.

“This highlights the importance of limiting social activities and following COVID-19 protocols when indoors,” the release added.

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Interior Health is supporting the community with outreach testing throughout the Big White community.

IH said the risk is low for families and individuals visiting Big White who stick to their immediate household bubble and avoid socializing and gathering with people outside their immediate 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. 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,” the release continued.

Environmental public health has been in the community to review safety plans at a number of locations and provide guidance and support as required.