Fernie COVID-19 Travel & Local Updates

Monday • January 11, 2021

UPDATE - BC Gov't travel, mask, event and gathering restrictions have been extended until February 5, 2021.

Like you, we're passionate about exploring but now is not the time to travel or gather. We must all do our part to flatten the curve now. Until February 5th all non-essential travel to and within BC should be avoided, this includes vacations. Read travel related restrictions below or view all current BC Gov't restrictions in detail.

The BC Gov't has begun with vaccination for the most vulnerable and will continue through 2021. The Canadian Government further updates on Canada's vaccine.

BC Gov't restrictions until February 5th, related to travel and visitation include:

1) ORDER - No social gatherings, must limit to immediate household (exception for single person households). Special important gatherings of up to 10 for funerals/weddings etc allowed if protocols followed and safety plan developed and available. View BC Gov't restrictions in detail.

2) Travel Advisory - BC Government stipulates that non-essential travel should be avoided until after February 5th. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province. For example: do not travel for a vacaton or to visit friends or family outside of your household or core bubble*. View BC Gov't restrictions in detail. Consider postponing your trip instead of cancelling. Hotels and resorts are working hard to accommodate guests impacted by COVID-19.

* Core Bubble, as per BC Government Social Gatherings Order, for most people is their immediate household. An immediate household is a group of people who live in the same dwelling.

For example: If you have a rental suite in your home, the suite is a separate household. If you live in an apartment or house with roommates, you are all members of the same household.

For others, including people who live alone, their core bubble may also contain a partner, relative, friend or co-parent who lives in a different household. This should be a maximum of two people outside of those living in your immediate household.

3) ORDER - Masks mandatory in public indoor spaces, this includes common areas, retail and dining (but not at your table when eating/drinking). Exemptions for those with health conditions (can't wear one), those who can't put a mask on independently and for children under 12 years of age. View BC Gov't restrictions in detail.

4) ORDER - No events/gatherings where people come together from different households (ie. original rule of up to 50 people not supported). View BC Gov't restrictions in detail.

The Canada-USA border is closed to all non-essential travel until at least January 21, and may potentially remain closed through the winter season. International/Overseas visitation for leisure travel purposes is not permitted at this time. Anyone travelling to Canada for Essential Travel is required to quarantine for 14 days. More details.

Since the pandemic started, as per the BC CDC, cases in the East Kootenay region as of January 7th have totalled 205, current cases are listed as 14. View current regional 'Interior Health' public exposure alerts. Within the Elk Valley region, as of January 2nd there is 1 case, the region includes Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie and south country.

Update from the Elk Valley Doctors - December 30, 2020

Winter Ski Season

All resorts will be operating this winter season. Fernie Alpine Resort and local catskiing operators are open for the season. Fernie also offers a wealth of cross-country skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing as well, which are great ways to safely enjoy the outdoors. Businesses offering indoor experiences such as wellness, recreation, spa, dining, shopping and attractions are all open with safety protocols in place.

We all love to travel and explore, and tourism is a very important industry for our community, so please feel free to contact us in your trip planning.

Local COVID Testing

If you are unwell, a COVID -19 test can be booked online at www.interiorhealth.ca and by following the link to "Book a Covid-19 Test”. Alternatively, the Test Booking Phone line can be reached by calling 1-877-740-7747. Our testing centre is in Sparwood. We can now test for COVID-19 by a saline gargle test for persons over the age of 4.

To ensure the stop of spreading any cold, flu or viruses, including COVID-19:

Masks are now mandatory in public indoor spaces, please bring your own with you due to limited local supplies
Practice social / physical distancing - Stay 6 feet away from those not within your family or travelling unit
Keep gatherings/travel to your immediate family or household unit until at least December 7th.
Wash your hands frequently and have hand santizer with you at all times (limited local supplies, bring your own please)
Stay home or away from others when not feeling well.
Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when you cough/sneeze
Don't touch your face with unclean hands