A long-time Sun Peaks resident who works in hospitality is asking people to stay home as much as possible as they themselves self-quarantine with symptoms of suspected COVID-19.
The food and beverage server, who wished to remain anonymous, began experiencing flu-like symptoms on March 19. When they spoke with a doctor via the phone and explained their symptoms the medical opinion was that it was a virus and may be COVID-19.
A statement from Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality’s (SPMRM) mayor Al Raine said although there are no cases in Sun Peaks which have tested positive, many people aren’t able to be tested.
“At this time we don’t have any positive tests from anyone in Sun Peaks, but we do have a number of people who have (suspicious) mild flu like symptoms and they do not fall in the criteria to get tested…the COVID-19 virus is spreading rapidly and we should assume that the virus could be in Sun Peaks,” the statement read.
While the server who spoke with SPIN hasn’t travelled recently they have been working with tourists.
“I haven’t travelled but I’ve certainly come in close contact with these people and cleared their plates.”
They told SPIN the doctor said no testing was available in Sun Peaks and they would be turned away in Kamloops as they aren’t older or high-risk.
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control website confirmed testing is available for those who are hospitalized, or likely to be hospitalized, health care workers, residents of long term care facilities and those who are part of an investigation of a cluster or outbreak.
The person quarantined in Sun Peaks said they don’t want to incite fear but want to emphasize the importance of social distancing and self-isolation as the virus moves around the world.
“I don’t want to put a panic across everybody but I want people to know not to be going out and partying and having close contact with people. Stay home even if you don’t have symptoms.”
Many residents and staff of Sun Peaks were seen partying and gathering on Tuesday and Wednesday as the resort’s season ended a month early.
While mountain operations ceased March 18 a staff ski day is currently planned to go ahead on March 23. (UPDATE: Sun Peaks Resort LLP cancelled the staff ski day event on March 20.)
“I want to encourage people to take it seriously,” they said “Even though Sun Peaks is a bubble it’s not a safe little bubble. We should all take it seriously whether it’s a flu or COVID.
“I want to say something to keep the community safe, there’s an older population here and immunocompromised people, we’re not all just young and healthy.”
Raine echoed the same sentiment.
“It is obvious that some of you have not taken seriously the medical advice to social isolate. In the past few days, we have seen images of people partying and even yesterday I saw larger groups of children hanging around socializing outside the local grocery store…Think about it, what makes you just mildly ill, can kill your grandparents, neighbours and seniors in our community.”
To read the entire statement from Raine click here.
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