Bus trip to Whistler identified for possible COVID-19 exposure

A bus trip to Whistler, and several flights, have been identified by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) as having possible onboard exposures to COVID-19.

The bus trip took place on January 29 with Epic Rides — a popular express bus service that operates between Whistler, downtown Vancouver, and the YVR Vancouver International Airport.

The trip with possible exposure to the virus travelled from Vancouver to Whistler. However, it remains unclear what time the bus departed and arrived at its destination.

Travel with possible COVID-19 exposures: https://t.co/zUXl1fJzQR
Jan 29: Epic Rides Bus Line, Vancouver to Whistler
Feb 1: Lufthansa Flight 492/Air Canada Flight 9101, Frankfurt to Vancouver
Feb 3: AeroMexico Flight 696, Mexico City to Vancouver

— BCCDC (@CDCofBC) February 8, 2021

The BC CDC also flagged seven flights for possible exposure to COVID-19.

On February 1, Air Canada flight 223 from Calgary to Vancouver was identified, Lufthansa Flight 492, and Air Canada Flight 9101 from Frankfurt to Vancouver.

Air Canada flight 554 from Vancouver to Los Angeles was flagged on February 2. And on February 3, AeroMexico flight 696 from Mexico City to Vancouver was identified.

Additional flights identified include Air Canada flight 115 from Toronto to Vancouver on February 4, and KLM flight 681 on February 6 from Amsterdam to Vancouver.

Flights with with possible COVID-19 exposures: https://t.co/FszmB3Pkrm
February 1: Air Canada 223, Calgary to Vancouver
February 2: Air Canada 554, Vancouver to Los Angeles
February 4: Air Canada 115, Toronto to Vancouver
February 6: KLM 681, Amsterdam to Vancouver pic.twitter.com/EXlacJhoX0

— BCCDC (@CDCofBC) February 9, 2021

Whistler has drawn concern recently as the province’s newest COVID-19 hotspot. The popular ski and snowboard destination saw more than 500 coronavirus cases in January alone — the majority of which have occurred within young people.

“The majority of cases in Whistler continue to be identified with young people in their 20s and 30s who live, work, and socialize together,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said during a press conference last week.

“Almost all the recent cases are associated with transmission occurring within households and social settings, according to our contact tracing.”

Health officials add that “significant enforcement actions are taking place in Whistler.”