Tourism is normally big business in the Shuswap. However, this year, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, tourists were asked to stay home over the May long weekend and not visit the region.
It is unclear how many heeded the call to forgo non-essential travel to the area, which is well known as a tourist destination.
Some Shuswap businesses and residents reported a slower-than-usual long weekend but there were also anecdotal reports of people visiting the area.
The regional district chair said the decision to ask visitors to stay home was was “very difficult.” “We do not want to jeopardize the effectiveness of the sacrifices we have all made over the past two months.