Dear Accommodation Community,
Here we are yet again. Cases on the rise, new restrictions implemented, and our industry bears the brunt of these measures with no immediate support or safety net.
At 1pm this afternoon, Public Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced new measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 that include:
- Updates to liquor and food primaries
- All public indoor dining and drink service prohibited as of midnight tonight.
- Service restricted to patio service, takeout, and delivery only.
- Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort will be closed to address and prevent community spread.
- Gyms and fitness centres are restricted to individual or one-on-one activities only if supervised by staff or personal trainer i.e. one-on-one personal training.
- Indoor worship services are suspended. Outdoor worship services allowed under the current variance may continue.
The above restrictions will remain in place until at least Monday, April 19th, 2021. Please note, that restrictions surrounding food and dining establishments do apply to on-site hotel outlets. For the time being, pools and fitness facilities are allowed to be open for individual use.
Concerns over a third wave have grown exponentially over this past week as we have seen a stark increase in case numbers. During today's press conference, our Public Health Officer advised that there is not enough vaccine and "a circuit breaker is now needed".
Our hotel community has worked tirelessly to protect the health and safety of British Columbians over the past year. We know how far each of your have gone to keep our province safe while at the same time trying to stay solvent and protect the financial and mental wellbeing of your employees. Yet, we continue to bear the burden of our province's increased case count and inaccessibility to the vaccine.
We recognize the devastation this will bring. Our industry is in a precarious position. Further restrictions will be detrimental to an industry already on the verge of collapse. We need support.
When asked about aid for the province, Premier John Horgan recognized that financial support for our industry is being discussed. We are committed to ensuring that it will be delivered.
A copy of this new public order has not yet been published but is expected to be posted here. Further information can also be found here and in the government news release.
We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Stay safe,
Ingrid Jarrett,
President and CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
