BC communities can cause financial disruption as travel is discouraged

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Ridge estimates that 60 to 70 percent of the municipality’s economic activity depends on tourism from Alberta.

He said Sycamos would feel the economic pinch, but acknowledged the need for those travel guidelines to curb the growing spread of COVID-19 in the province.

BC Health Officers Reported 539 new cases of the virus Thursday, along with an additional death. 321 COVID-19 related deaths occurred in BC

Hospital admissions increased from 59 to 217 in intensive care.

There were 6,861 active COVID-19 cases Thursday across BC.

“I am convinced that tourism is important for our communities and for our economy,” Henry told a news conference.

“The challenge we face is that people from these other jurisdictions are coming to BC. We are asking people coming to BC in the next two to four weeks, if they can postpone their visit here, they should.”

“Those who still want to visit the province need to know that we expect them to follow the orders we have here,” Henry said.

“These commands will be executed.”

A day earlier, BC Premier John Horgan had called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to implement a national strategy. To discourage unnecessary travel between provinces.

He said those from other provinces should not visit BC for their business or prosperity.

BC ski resorts near the Alberta border expect a very slow winter due to international travel restrictions and regional guidelines.