With the forecast calling for sunny skies and warm days for the Easter long weekend, Bowen Island Municipality issued a reminder Tuesday afternoon for visitors to stay away.
“I know the temptation to celebrate and visit with friends and family is strong at this time of year,” said Mayor Gary Ander in the press release, “but we have to remain committed to keeping our physical distance from each other. This long weekend and until we can flatten the curve, please stay home and avoid non-essential travel.”
“We thank you for your understanding as we take unprecedented measures to protect our community at this very difficult time,” said the press release.
BIM first issued its plea for visitors to stay away March 20.
BC Ferries has since asked customers to avoid non-essential travel, however, it still hasn’t been instructed by federal or provincial authorities to confirm if customers are essential or resident travellers said Darin Guenette of BC Ferries in an email Tuesday.
As of noon April 6, ferry customers on longer crossings are asking Transport Canada-mandated questions to determine if they may be infected with COVID-19. As the Queen of Capilano’s crossing is shorter than 30 minutes, customers buying tickets for Bowen are not asked screening questions.
BIM joins a chorus of other small towns and tourist destinations asking visitors to stay away.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) in conjunction with the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), District of Squamish, Village of Pemberton and District of Lillooet released a plea Tuesday for people to stay away. The area is seeing mid-summer levels of visitation, including an increasing number of campers on the beach and a lack of social distancing, said the press release from the SLRD.
––with files from Braden Dupuis at the Pique
