Hello Members and Subscribers,
Two pieces of COVID-related news were recently shared by many media outlets as well as the Destination BC newsletter (subscribe here for useful updates):
- as of August 25, a new temporary Provincial Health Order requires people ages 12 and older to wear face masks inside public settings – we’ve seen many of your fantastic social media posts announcing this!
- as of September 13, proof of vaccination will be required in BC for people attending certain social and recreational settings and events.
Our team has been receiving a number of recent questions from visitors, as well as from residents, about rising local case numbers. We imagine that you are being asked as well.
Island Health is the only organization that can provide information about any COVID-19 developments locally.
However, here are some suggested answers that may be helpful:
Q: I’ve been reading about a COVID-19 outbreak in Tofino. Is this true?
A: Island Health is the authority on this, and hasn’t reported an outbreak, or exposure, in Tofino as of present. Please refer to their website for official information. With an ongoing pandemic and with rising cases in BC, Tofino businesses continue to take precautions, like the now-mandatory wearing of face masks inside public settings, washing/sanitizing hands, and keeping a safe social distance.
Q: Are some restaurants in Tofino closed due to staff testing positive for COVID-19?
A: Please refer to Island Health (link as above) for official information on COVID-19. Information on testing is confidential, but we can assure you that Tofino businesses are following all provincial COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Hours of operation for Tofino restaurants have fluctuated throughout the summer as they deal with both operating during the pandemic and staff shortages that exist worldwide in the hospitality sector.
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Many of you will have received this update from the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce on upcoming vaccination clinics. Please share this with your team members who have not yet received their first or full vaccination:
Kyle
Hello,
I clicked on the link and wasn’t able to find any information on Tofino at all. How is sending them to a website with no information helpful? The restaurants obviously closed before of covid. Please elaborate.
Sam Fyleris
What we’re saying here is that if Island Health is not displaying information about Tofino, there is no data to share. Only Island Health can declare an outbreak or exposure in Tofino. Thank you for your question!