Image Credit: Contributed / Cory Rottluff

By Pete McIntyre / Vernon Matters

COVID-19

Shuswap officials ask tourists to consider staying home this long weekend

May 13, 2020 | 12:12 PM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — Anyone planning to spend the long weekend with a road trip to Shuswap Lake or other areas in the Columbia Shuswap, is being encouraged to stay home.

Columbia Shuswap Regional District Board chair Kevin Flynn says despite the gradual easing of restrictions, all non-essential travel – even within B.C. – is still discouraged by health officials.

“The best course of action is to stay close to home,” Flynn said. “This is not the time to pack up the car or RV for a road trip or to head for your cabin. This is the time to stay local and check out all the great things about your home community.”

The CSRD said staying home is key to protecting vulnerable people from the spread of COVID-19. It also helps ensure medical and other essential services in smaller communities do not become overwhelmed.

B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the province is still in phase one of the reopening plan, and phase two, which will see more businesses reopen with strict social distancing guidelines, does not go into effect until after the May 16-18 long weekend. People are encouraged to continue to stay local until the province enters phase three of the reopening plan, which may happen in June, if there isn’t a surge in COVID cases.

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“We appreciate all the people who, like us, think our region is terrific and want to visit. Telling people to stay away is a very difficult decision,” Flynn said. “But we do not want to jeopardize the effectiveness of the sacrifices we have all made over the past two months. If we can stay on track, people will be able to explore our region sooner rather than later.”

While CSRD parks, trails and boat launches remain open for use by residents, physical distancing rules are in effect.

“Citizens are asked to be respectful of distancing measures, especially when more people may be wanting to use these amenities on the weekend. Using these facilities in a kind, courteous manner will allow everyone to remain as safe as possible,” a CSRD news release said.