Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) have updated their COVID policy in line with the provincial government, with masks no longer required for guests effective March 11.
鈥淥n behalf of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and all of our team members at our ski resorts of Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, we would like to thank all of our guests for following safety protocols that have been in place,鈥� read a statement from RCR.
鈥淲e are making updates in accordance with public health orders, internal safety guidelines, and industry best practices.鈥�
Masks will now no longer be required while in indoor public spaces or while out doors in lift lines and while riding lifts. RCR still recommends that face coverings be worn in these situations, but it will not be mandatory.
Proof of vaccination will be required until April 18 as well, but will be lifted if the proposed BC Government COVID regulation relaxation orders occur.
Proof of Vaccination will continue to be required in order to ski and ride at RCR鈥檚 BC resorts.
Guests should be sure to check their local resorts for up to date policies surrounding COVID-19.
Currently, proof of vaccination will be required to access all chair lifts and indoor facilities at RCR resorts this winter.
A negative test result will not be accepted as an alternative.
The vaccine passport was not required at the time of its implementation in early November.
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In a news conference on Thursday March 10, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix confirmed that the B.C. vaccine card program will be coming to an end on April 8 and that the mask mandate was to be lifted on March 11.
鈥淪ome settings will still require you wear a mask like health-care settings, doctors鈥� offices and patient contact areas,鈥� Henry said.
Employees at resorts are also required to be fully vaccinated.
Henry said that the province will be taking a 鈥渕easured鈥� approach, to regulating vaccinations for health-care professionals, including industry-specific risk management plans and informed consent policies so patients will know the vaccine status of their health-care provider. Henry said vaccination may be required for some professions in certain settings, but the approach will be 鈥渢ailored鈥� to work for each profession covered by the order.
The province recommends people self-monitor for symptoms, stay home if they鈥檙e sick, wash their hands and get vaccinated to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, they did not outline specific measures to protect from airborne transmission of COVID-19, which is the predominant mode of infection.
~with files from Cole Schisler
