Explore BC... Later.

Like you, we’re passionate about exploring BC. But now is not the time to travel. Please stay home and follow the advice of health authorities.

Do your part now, so we can all explore BC again later. In the meantime, find the official links below for the most up-to-date information.

For tourism industry updates about COVID-19, please visit Destination BC’s corporate website, here.

Last updated: April 9, 3:00 pm

Latest Developments

How British Columbia is responding to Covid – 19

• BC’s provincial health officer has declared COVID-19 a public health emergency and urging people to physical distance and to stay at home. Read more here.
• All non-essential services are closed.
• BC Parks and protected areas are closed until further notice.
• BC Ferries is screening people for Covid-19 symptoms or recent international travel before allowing people to board. They are advising customers to avoid all non-essential travel.
• According to Recreation Sites and Trails BC, all recreation facilities and campgrounds are temporarily closed until further notice.

The Province has created a dedicated phone service to provide British Columbians with non-medical information about COVID-19, including the latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing. Information is available in more than 110 languages, seven days a week between 7:30 am-8 pm, at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) or via text message at 1-888-268-4319.

How Canada is responding to Covid – 19

• Closing the border between Canada and the U.S. for non-essential travel until further notice. Find more information here: Canadian Border Services
• A global travel advisory is in effect.
• Canada will deny entry to travellers who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents. Some exceptions apply.
• Suspended visitor services to all Parks Canada sites, including its national parks, national marine conservation areas and historic sites.

Seeking medical attention

All travellers who are visiting BC and begin to feel ill can seek medical attention at local hospitals or urgent care centres.

Note: In suspected cases of the coronavirus, it is important to call ahead to the hospital, doctor or urgent care centre first for advice. Where language may be a barrier, tour operators, accommodation providers, and other tourism businesses can provide support by offering to contact a health-care professional on their behalf. (Symptoms of a coronavirus infection include, but are not limited to, fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and difficulty breathing.)

If you have symptoms

For travellers who suspect they might have coronavirus symptoms, you must provide health-care professionals with the following info (via phone):

• Symptoms;
• Where you have been travelling, working or living;
• If you had close contact with a sick person, especially someone with a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

Important Phone Numbers

International mobile phones on a Canadian network should be able to access the following phone numbers:

• For non-emergency situations only, call 8-1-1 (or 7-1-1 for the deaf or hard of hearing). This is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line operated by HealthLink BC. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages.
• In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
• Find the nearest hospital or health centre in British Columbia here.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is working with provinces, territories, and international partners, including the World Health Organization, to actively monitor the situation. Public health risk is being continually reassessed as new information becomes available, with updates being posted to the government’s COVID-19 Updates page. The current risk to Canadians is considered high. This does not mean that all Canadians will get the disease. It means that there is already a significant impact on our health care system. If we do not flatten the epidemic curve now, the increase of COVID-19 cases could impact health care resources available to Canadians. The current assessment also indicates that there is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians:

• aged 65 and over
• with compromised immune systems
• with underlying medical conditions

There are also increased health risks for Canadian travellers abroad. Because of these risks, the Government of Canada advises you to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice, including cruise ship travel.

Canada’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak takes a whole-of-government approach, based on plans and guidance related to pandemic preparedness. For an overview on the national response to the virus outbreak, including national updates, travel advice and links to official sources of information, visit PHAC’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Canada’s response page.

For detailed information about Canada’s response, including the measures already taken to respond to the outbreak, new investments to limit the spread of the virus and prepare for its potential impacts, and more, on the Government of Canada takes action on COVID-19 page.

For any questions, call the Health Canada COVID-19 information line: 1-833-784-4397, or email: [email protected]

World Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have issued a joint statement on international cooperation as key to the containment of COVID-19. Read it here.