Shuswap Lake
Image Credit: Wikipedia Commons
May 13, 2020 - 11:30 AM
With the Victoria Day long weekend just days away, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District is asking the public that now is not the time to flock to the region.
The Regional District is reiterating that people should avoid non-essential travel and is encouraging people to stick to their local area this weekend.
"Despite the gradual easing of restrictions, all non-essential travel, even travelling within B.C. is continuing to be discouraged by medical health officers. The best course of action is to stay close to home," Regional District board chair Kevin Flynn said in a media release, May 13.
"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 message from the Regional District echoes that of Osoyoos RCMP which issued a release asking boaters to stay off Osoyoos Lake this weekend.
"While it may be permitted, we ask that you consider the risks you are putting our first responders in. Avoid non-essential boating, stay close to home to save lives," Osoyoos fire chief Dave McMahon said.
In the Shuswap, the Regional District says that staying home will ensure medical and other essential services in smaller communities do not become overwhelmed.
"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."
The Regional District says parks, trails and boat launches remain open for use by residents at this time and physical distancing requirements continue to apply.
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