With summer officially arriving with the solstice this Saturday, the Town of Banff is reminding visitors to plan ahead and prepare personal COVID-19 kits to ensure essentials are available for a safe adventure to the Rockies.
“The summer road trip to Banff is a time-honoured tradition for so many Albertans who revitalize with mountain exploration and relax with the tranquility of the wide-open spaces and our small-town charm,” said Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen. “But we can’t relax our health and safety practices while taking a break to visit Banff.”
Even though it has been 100 days since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, the Town of Banff is reminding all visitors that COVID-19 is still present in Alberta and precautions should be followed at all times.
“For people across Alberta, we know visiting Banff is important for physical, mental and spiritual health. We know we can welcome people to a safe experience here, as long as everyone takes responsibility for their actions and we all think of protecting the people around us, just like people are passionate about protecting wildlife and the environment in Banff National Park.”
While the Town has placed hand-sanitizing stations around the downtown and created pedestrian zones to allow for more social distancing, everyone is encouraged to bring a COVID-19 kit with:
- hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol solution
- disinfecting wipes for high-touch surfaces (they are hard to find in Banff)
- water for each individual in your party (water fountains are not turned on)
- ready-to-use masks or face coverings carried in sealed bags
- Alberta health care cards
In addition, the Town of Banff is reminding everyone to:
- stay home if you are sick or have symptoms like a runny nose or sore throat
- pay attention to your surroundings and always maintain 2 metres from people not from your household. It is easy to get distracted by the beauty and wilderness, but maintaining social distancing takes care and attention
- wear masks or face coverings in busier places. If we all do this, we protect each other if one of us has the virus, which may not show symptoms in everyone.
- give the Banff wave ‘hello’ when on trails and sidewalks – this shows you are paying attention, especially if your face is covered
- leave crowded areas. Come back later to busy locations or plan ahead to avoid popular times and locations. Seek alternative attractions or amenities – there are many “undiscovered” finds in the Banff townsite and the national park
- wash your hands frequently. Look for the hand sanitizers attached to waste bins downtown
- Be kind and patient
- The requirement for 2 metre distancing means there may be line-ups at restaurants and retail stores, and even at trailheads.
- We are all in this together, and only by respecting each other can we all enjoy this special place, safely.
For updates visit banff.ca/covid.
For media contact, call:
Jason Darrah, Director of Communications
403-762-1207
jason.darrah@banff.ca