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:

Island Health has announced that COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics will run weekly alternating between Tofino (Coastal Family Place, 265 First St.) and Ucluelet (Ucluelet Community Centre) from September to December, 2021. The schedule for September is as follows:
•           September 1st Ucluelet
•           September 8th Tofino
•           September 15th Ucluelet
•           September 22nd Tofino
•           September 29th Ucluelet
This schedule to continue alternating for the months of October, November and December.
To book an appointment at a vaccination clinic, please call the provincial call centre at 1-833-838-2323 or visit here. If you’re having difficulty with the call centre, you can call reception at Tofino Public Health 250.725.4020 EXT 0 for further assistance.
Thank you, and stay safe.