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Health officials have been calling on people to stay home and forgo travel to second homes, favourite vacation spots and even parks outside their region to prevent the spread of the virus.

On Thursday, health officials in B.C. and Alberta issued a joint statement, urging travellers not to cross the border between the two provinces, while the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety said people should “stay safe by staying home over the long weekend.”

“These are extraordinary times. A global pandemic puts us all at risk — and we all must stay home, stay in our communities and stay at a safe physical distance from others when outside,” said B.C. Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Minister of Health for Alberta Tyler Shandro.

Municipalities and First Nations across the province echoed that request.

“Whether you’re from Vernon, Vancouver or the Prairie provinces, please stay away for the time being,” said Byron Louis, the chief of the Okanagan Indian Band. “It’s just not safe.”

Louis’s grandfather used to tell him stories about the Spanish Flu.

“If there’s anyone who knows the impacts of a pandemic, it’s us,” he said

The chief is hoping education will be successful in convincing lakefront leaseholders from visiting their recreational properties.

In a statement posted on his community’s website, Invermere Mayor Al Miller said he “absolutely hates having to say this” because tourists and second homeowners bring many benefits.

“Many folks have told me if they get the virus they will simply hop in their car and drive quickly back to Alberta. (But) you can go from a symptom to ICU in a matter of a very short time … and that would be problematic for our small hospital.”