Public health restrictions still exist if you plan on travelling this summer

CALGARY — With summer in full swing and restrictions lifted in Alberta, tourists are reminded to be aware of guidelines when and if they travel across provincial borders.

There is some worry already about Alberta removing quarantine measures for positive COVID-19 cases starting on Aug. 16.

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Especially when it comes to crossing the border to B.C. as some areas in the central Okanagan see a spike in cases.

Closer to the Alberta border, Invermere Mayor Allen Miller says he was surprised by the decision from the Alberta government.

“My initial thoughts were concern, that’s for sure,” he said. “The need not to quarantine, do I agree with it? Not necessarily.”

Miller says even though those are the rules in Alberta, we have to follow all local health guidelines and it is important to be respectful to one another.

“There is still a lot of concern out there with people obviously. Although we don’t have masks mandated, we have a lot of people wearing masks and that’s fine. If they’re unsure or feeling a little bit threatened, obviously they’re going to wear a mask and want to. So, that’s cool too,” Miller said as they will continue to support messaging from public health experts.

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“Be respectful, be thoughtful, those are the messages that are going out and will continue to go out. If we see numbers starting to go up, well obviously our health authorities will evaluate and make those decisions on what’s appropriate for us to do,” he added.

Miller says at this point he doesn’t have a plan to deter tourists to come to the community if cases spike as he hopes we don’t reach that stage.

Just north of Invermere in Golden, tourism spokesperson Andy Brown says they are happy to welcome people back.

“We love seeing people come to our community and enjoy themselves and all the outdoor activities we have to offer. We just want people to do so in a safe, respectful and responsible manner,” Brown said.

Miller echoed the same sentiment, adding that if we work together, we’ll be able to conquer COVID-19 and has been encouraged with vaccination rates in his community.