Dec 18, 2020 - Islands Trust Urges Islanders and Visitors to Follow BC Public Health Officer Guidance

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
December 18, 2020 – for immediate release 2020-27-IT 
 
Islands Trust urges islanders and visitors to follow BC Public Health Officer guidance 
Let’s respect travel advisories and look forward to a brighter 2021 
 
Lək
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 ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – With British Columbia, and the world, facing alarming growth in COVID-19 cases, 
provincial leaders have once again advised against non-essential travel and required everyone to minimize community 
interactions, even close to home. 
As we draw near to December celebrations, the Islands Trust Executive Committee reminds people to be as thoughtful 
and mindful of the safety of others as they were in early spring, to continue physical distancing, and to resist the 
temptation to invite or respond to invitations from friends and family.  
"We need to work together and avoid non-essential travel. No one should be hosting gatherings with people outside of 
their core bubble or household,” said Peter Luckham, Chair of the Islands Trust Council. “On the Gulf and Howe Sound 
islands, medical resources are non-existent or limited. Often it is volunteers who offer first response. As we know, the 
majority of our island residents are elderly and more vulnerable to the risks of this terrible virus.” 
By order and direction of the Provincial Health Officer, all events and social gatherings are suspended to significantly 
reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions and travel. The order is in effect until January 8, 2021 at 
midnight. BC Ferries is also advising the public to avoid all non-essential travel. For those who think they may have 
‘essential travel’ needs, kindly review the definition of essential travel and the safety precautions listed here: 
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-
support/restrictions#travel-precautions  
“Thank you for staying close to home, and encouraging your loved ones to do the same,” offered Chair Luckham. “It’s 
hard to make this choice during the holiday season when we long to be close to others, but with consideration for 
community safety front and centre we can come out the other side of this winter healthy and whole. The day will soon 
come when island communities can again warmly welcome visitors to the Gulf and Howe Sound Islands. Today is not that 
day.”  
  
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News Release 
200 - 1627 Fort Street Victoria BC  V8R 1H8 
Telephone  250.405.5151 FAX:  250.405.5155 
Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 604.660.2421.  Elsewhere in BC 
1.800.663.7867 
information@islandstrust.bc.ca     www.islandstrust.bc.ca 

 
The Islands Trust is a federation of special-purpose local government bodies representing 26,000 people living within the 
Islands Trust Area and another 10,000 non-resident property owners. The Islands Trust Area is located within Coast Salish 
te

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