Big White announces plan to contain COVID cluster
Officials at Big White Ski Resort say a COVID-19 cluster in the community has their full attention.
It’s even released some employees who were not prepared to follow the health and safety policies.
Interior Health reported 60 positive cases on the mountain on Tuesday which were said to be a result of group housing and social gatherings.
“Our COVID-19 taskforce, made up of executives in our company and members of the community, is working with Interior Health, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and the RCMP to assist the resort in containing the cluster,” Peter Plimmer, president and CEO of Big White Ski Resort Ltd., said.
“The focus of our team and taskforce is to help all of those that require accommodation to isolate, to transition into this space as soon as possible, and to continue to operate the resort in a safe manner and in accordance to our COVID-19 safety plan.”
The resort said it employs 55 per cent of the total workforce (636 employees) on the mountain and manages accommodation for 24 per cent of that workforce (152 employees). In the summer of 2017, Big White Ski Resort Ltd invested over $10 million to build new apartment-style accommodation in the Black Forest area. All others working and living on the mountain live in private residences managed by individual landlords or stratas.
The resort has directed its management team to personally speak to all staff regarding the community cluster, and present them (for the third time) with its Social Responsibility Contract to once again recommit to and physically acknowledge in the presence of a supervisor. You can find the contents of the contract, here.
The resort also has a daily health protocol in place which follows the guidelines of the Provincial Health Officer, and requires all employees working in the resort and their offices off-mountain to sign a Health Declaration upon beginning work.
“Big White Ski Resort Ltd. has a zero tolerance policy with any employees who are found to be in breach of these documents. To that end, we have had to let go some of our employees,” a news release stated.
The mountain continues to operate, and guests are asked to be aware of the COVID-19 Safety Plan before coming to the resort.
“We do want to reiterate what Interior Health wrote in its press release yesterday: ‘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,’” Plimmer added.
Outdoor activities are considered safe following public health direction such as physical distancing, wearing a face covering, and staying home when sick.
Interior Health will continue testing at the resort this week.
“This situation is ongoing and has our full attention,” commented Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort Ltd.
“We will continue to update the public, community and media as more information becomes available.”
The resort said Ballingall, the resort spokesperson, is not available for personal interviews today, as he is devoting his energy to working with the COVID-19 task force and the representatives of Interior Health, the RCMP and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary who are currently in the resort.
He will make himself available for interviews Thursday morning.
RCMP will be increasing patrols in the area of Big White to help address community concerns about the significant increase in COVID-19 cases and perceived lack of compliance with provincial health orders in the area.
The area of Big White is part of the Kelowna Rural jurisdiction, which is the responsibility of the West Kelowna RCMP who respond to complaints and conduct investigations as required. RCMP officers also take part in a yearly ski patrol, and police have assigned additional patrols of the area during winter weekends and special events.
However, due to the significant increase in COVID-19 cases, RCMP will be making changes to the policing of the area.
“Due to concerns that have been brought to us by the community, we will be increasing our patrols and police presence in the area,” said Insp. Kent Lowe of the Kelowna RCMP. “Our officers will be there to ensure public safety and will be taking necessary enforcement action.”
The holiday season is traditionally a busy time of year of the area of Big White, and the public is reminded that it they are engaging in activities contrary to the provincial Public Health Order, they can be issued a ticket.
Under the current COVID-19 Related Measures Act, owners or organizers of events can face fines of $2300. Failure to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces, failure to comply with directions of an enforcement officer, or abusive or belligerent behaviour can result in a fine of $230.