By Laura Brookes
British Columbia will soon introduce an order requiring those who rent properties to limit the number of guests and visitors, in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry made the announcement during Thursday's press conference, confirming the new order will impact those who rent boats, rooms, houseboats or houses, including AirBnB properties and resorts.
Restrictions will be included as part of rental agreements, and the onus will fall upon the owner or operator of the property to enforce the restrictions.
Support may be provided from bylaw enforcement and public health enforcement, she says.
"We've seen the challenges - that people get together and then they have parties, and they invite people over - so it will be restrictions on the numbers of people, based on the size of the houseboat, or the boat, or the room, but also restrictions on visitors that will be in those rental properties as well."
Dr. Henry says specific details of the new order are still being worked out, including exact numbers of guests and visitors that will be allowed, but she expects details to be made available "within the next day."
When enforced, the order will apply across the entire province of B.C.
"We know that this is not just an issue in the Okanagan - this is an issue that has affected vacation and rental places across B.C. This will be another step in ensuring that we have those provisions in place that reduce the numbers of people who are gathering and the risk to all of us when this virus is transmitted.
"We've consulted with those who know the industry best to make sure we have reasonable and practical enforceable bylaws, so the details will be coming very soon."
Read more from Castanet
