BANFF – Banff’s Sunshine Village Ski Resort will remain open as Alberta Health Services takes a closer look at its COVID-19 workplace outbreak.
As of Wednesday (May 12), Banff National Park’s last ski hill still open this season is listed as an outbreak site, which occurs when COVID-19 transmissions are linked to three or more workplace cases.
The Alberta Health website states the list was last updated on May 11.
Under Alberta’s new restrictions, workplaces that have been declared as outbreak sites may be required to close for 10 business days.
“At this time, no current outbreaks are being required to close, but health officials will review all current outbreaks in the coming days,” said Tom McMillan, Alberta Health’s assistant director in an email to the Outlook on May 6.
McMillan’s statement added that for larger workplaces, any closure may be restricted to the locations where transmission has occurred.
“Any closures will be determined on a case by case basis based on a review by Alberta Health Services, in cooperation with the business,” McMillan wrote.
How lucky are we to call this our backyard?! 😄😄😄 pic.twitter.com/VU0k4mwSc7
— Sunshine Village (@SunshineVillage) May 6, 2021
Sunshine Village did not respond for a request to comment.
While addressing Alberta on Tuesday (May 4), Premier Jason Kenney initiated the new restriction to workplace outbreaks.
At a press conference the following day, Minister of Health Tyler Shandro added: "Any workplace where a transmission leads to three or more cases will also be required to close for 10 days, except in situations where a closure would be against the public interest."
Banff's Mt. Norquay is also listed as an outbreak site; however, the ski hill is closed for the season.
Sunshine Village's final day of the season is scheduled for May 24.
