Mount Washington has joined the list B.C. ski resorts that will be suspending operations in light of COVID-19 outbreak.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort says it will suspend all winter operations effective immediately. Whistler-Blackcomb resort also closed due to fears of COVID-19 transmission.
“The resort will not open as scheduled today as we await an update from the Prime Minister regarding efforts to take more drastic measures to stem the virus’s spread,” the company said in a statement Monday morning.
“The duration of this suspension is not known at this time. We will reassess daily, even hourly, as things continue to evolve rapidly.”
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be holding a national press conference at 10 a.m. today.
“This was a difficult decision for many reasons, not the least of which is so many of our loyal guests have expressed their appreciation and passion regarding the opportunity to be able to ski and snowboard even during the crisis.”
“This is an extraordinary set of circumstances and while we regret this sudden action we are committed to being part of the solution to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis,” reads the statement.
Trudeau’s announcement will be followed by an update from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and BC Health Minister Adrian Dix at 11 a.m.
The resort will remain closed until further notice.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 175,838.
Nearly 6,717 people have died from the illness and 77,871 have made a full recovery.
