June 24, 2020 - Trust Council Asks Travelers and Locals to Continue COVID-19 Prevention Measures

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
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 
 
June 24, 2020 2020-15-IT 
 
Trust Council Asks Travelers and Locals to Continue COVID-19 Prevention Measures 
 
Lekwungen, METULIYE/Victoria, BC—BC's Restart Plan has entered Phase 3, allowing people to participate in smart and 
safe travel within BC, including the Islands Trust Area, which includes the Gulf and Howe Sound Islands. 
 
As the Province moves into this new phase and heads into the July long weekend, the Islands Trust Council reminds 
visitors and island residents to continue using COVID-19 prevention measures to protect themselves and others. If you are 
sick, stay home. Please wash your hands often, practice physical distancing, wear masks when distancing isn’t possible, 
and minimize community interactions, as recommended by our Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and the BC 
Centre for Disease Control. 
 
“Everyone needs to be respectful, safe, smart and use extra caution when they travel, including Island residents who go 
on and off the islands,” shared Peter Luckham, Chair of the Islands Trust Council. “Until a vaccine is available, we will 
continue to be cautious and safe to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak. On most islands, the majority of our population is over 
sixty. Our medical resources are limited. In most cases, it is volunteers who offer first response, and we don't want to put 
them at risk.  We’re all in this together, let’s take care of each other.” 
 
BC Ferries suggests if you have flexible travel plans, consider taking a ferry at less busy times of the day. When onboard, 
remain in your vehicles, maintain physical distance from other passengers, and have a face covering in the event physical 
distancing is not possible.  
 
Island Trust staff working in land use planning, bylaw enforcement, and nature protection are once again travelling to the 
islands for their work. All Islands Trust staff are trained in COVID-19 prevention and take the necessary precautions to 
protect themselves and the public. 
 
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The Islands Trust works to preserve and protect over 450 islands in the Salish Sea through land use planning, the Islands 
Trust Conservancy, and Trust Council programs and services. The Trust Area, located within Coast Salish territory, is the 
homeland of over 28,000 Coast Salish Peoples who have called this area home since time immemorial.  Covering 5,200 
square kilometres between the British Columbia mainland and southern Vancouver Island, the Trust Area has 26,000 
residents and 10,000 non-resident property owners. The region features many Indigenous archaeological and culturally 
significant sites, and some of the world's most en

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