Interior Health has identified another seven new COVID-19 cases linked to a community cluster at Big White Ski Resort.

It takes the total number of cases to 143 with 22 cases currently active. Health officials say of total number of cases, 91 are in people who live on Big White Mountain.

“We are closely monitoring the Big White Mountain community cluster. It’s important visitors and staff keep following precautions to minimize any further spread,” said IH Medical Health Officer, Dr. Silvina Mema. “This ski season, stick to your local ski hill with members of your household.”

As it has for weeks, Interior Health is asking people to avoid social gatherings and to follow all public health guidance while at the resort. The risk continues to be low for people going to ski at Big White, as long as they follow the guidelines.

Mema says Interior Health is continuing with COVID-19 testing and environmental public health inspections at Big White, with the next update coming on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Big White cancels non-local bookings to Feb. 5

Following the extension of COVID-19 restricitons to at least Feb. 5, Big White management say they’ve cancelled all non-local bookings to that date.

“We take Dr. Henry’s orders very seriously, and we ask and expect others in our resort community to do the same,” said Big White Senior Vice President, Michael Ballingall. “In December, we cancelled Christmas and New Year’s holidays, which unfortunately disappointed many, many guests and their families. We’re not going to give up now.”

“The Provincial Health Officer is recommending to avoid all non-essential travel, and to travel within your local area only, and so we are cancelling and encouraging visitors from all around Canada to abide by these rules. Following the rules is not about the bottom line, it’s about bending the curve and staying open for our season passholders and local skiers and snowboarders.”

Resort staff say there are hundreds of reservations impacted due to the pent-up demand from people looking to ski this winter.

It’s safe to ski at your local mountain,” Ballingall added. “If you live in the Central Okanagan, we are your local mountain. Being outside, exploring your local area, and supporting your local businesses is how we will find our moment of normal – we’re all in this together.”