Big White cluster grows to 136

109 people have already recovered from the coronavirus, while 27 are still infected and in isolation

The number of people affected by a cluster of COVID-19 cases at Big White has risen to 136.

That’s 25 more people than when the last update was provided on Dec. 29 by Interior Health.

Of the 136 people who’ve been infected by the cluster, 88 live at Big White while the rest reside elsewhere.

As of Tuesday, 109 people had recovered and 27 people had active infections and were in self-isolation.

Everyone who works or lives at Big White is reminded by Interior Health to avoid social gatherings and to stick with their household bubble. People should also follow COVID-19 protocols such as frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, and practising physical distancing.

As for skiers and snowboarders, Interior Health says it is still safe for them to visit Big White.

“The risk remains low for families and individuals visiting Big White who follow public health guidance,” IH said in a Tuesday release.

“In other words, it is safe to go to Big White when you stick to your immediate household bubble and avoid socializing and gathering etc.”

Michael J. Ballingall, Big White’s senior vice-president, said Interior Health has told him that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, and who indicates they were at Big White in the previous two weeks, is considered to be part of the resort’s cluster of cases.

Most of those who’ve tested positive and are considered to be part of the Big White cluster of cases are in their mid-20s, Ballingall said, and there have been no hospitalizations from the cluster to date.

“We are now through the busiest time of the year,” Ballingall said in a Big White release, referring to the Christmas and New Year’s period. “We’re now experiencing some of the best snow conditions of the season — there’s no better time for our local community to visit the resort.”

The Big White cluster is believed to have originated with a large house party that took place in late November and some infections were then passed through group housing facilities.