Tofino mayor urges people not to visit this long weekend

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The mayor of Tofino is hoping would-be visitors to his coastal community can hold off just a little while longer. B.C. may lift its current COVID-19 “circuit breaker” restrictions on non-essential travel, possibly as early as next week.

“The orders … my guess is they’ll be lifted somewhat and align for increased travel,” Mayor Dan Law said, noting if COVID-19 cases start rising, restrictions may return.

While the tourism industry may be excited about the prospect of British Columbians being allowed to travel further from home, Law is urging people to stay local this May long weekend.

“I’m really hopeful with the vaccinations, with the well-established policies, and with responsible behaviour from visitors and locals alike, that we can have a somewhat successful summer for the tourism industry,” he said.

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Law feels B.C.’s current “circuit breaker” restrictions, which include a ban on non-essential travel outside of three zones, has made a difference.

“There were certainly a lot of visitors in Tofino and we could see that they were coming from afar, certainly off the island, before the circuit breaker orders,” he said. “There’s definitely been a dramatic drop in visitation.”

Those orders remain in effect until 12 a.m. Tuesday.

He recommends all British Columbians get vaccinated to give the tourism sector a shot at something of a normal summer this year.