Interior Health has identified 60 cases of COVID-19 related to Big White; mostly from transmission related to shared housing.

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Interior Health has identified 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," Interior Health said in a press release.

"Large households and social gatherings appear to be responsible for much of the COVID-19 transmission related to this cluster. This highlights the importance of limiting social activities and following COVID-19 protocols when indoors."

Everyone in the Big White community is reminded to avoid social gatherings and that socialization must be limited to immediate household bubbles.

"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," IH said.

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.

Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort Ltd., announced shortly after the press release issued by Interior Health, Big White Ski Resort is taking this matter incredibly seriously.

"We are meeting with the ownership group and will be acting quickly and decisively to address the living conditions of our staff residing outside of our managed residences. We are not aware of any transmission in our company’s workplaces, this includes transmissions between employees at work and transmissions between employees and guests. Our main priority is protecting the health of our staff and all those that visit and use Big White Ski Resort," Ballingall said in the release.

"We are working alongside Interior Health on many fronts, and we are reminded these cases are the result of group housing and social gatherings. We are speaking with community members, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and RCMP to mitigate the risk and eliminate further spread," he said.

You can book an appointment online through the COVID-19 Test Booking Form or by phone at 1-877-740-7747.

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