With little time left until Skistar's winter season, the spread of COVID-19 is accelerating. In Dalarna, with one of Sweden's most popular ski areas, Sälenfjällen, the development is worrying, according to infectious disease physician Anders Lindblom, who does not rule out that Skistar will be advised to close facilities.
Stefan Sjöstrand, CEO of Skistar, emphasizes that the Public Health Agency is positive about the company's measures.
This spring, Skistar closed its Swedish facilities earlier than planned following advice from the Swedish Public Health Agency – the pressure on healthcare was very high at the time after a long period of extensive infection spread.
Skistar is now seeing strong demand for the upcoming winter season. On October 1, Skistar announced that bookings had increased by 10 percent.
At the same time, the number of cases of the coronavirus in Sweden is rising rapidly, which increases the risk that the pandemic could also affect this ski season.
”"It's a worrying development here, just like in the rest of Sweden. We have a large spread of infection," says Anders Lindblom, infectious disease physician for the Dalarna Region. In the county, Skistar operates popular ski resorts in the Sälenfjällen mountains.
The infectious disease doctor does not rule out that the Public Health Agency may advise Skistar to close its operations again if the situation worsens.
”"If we get many cases, there may be new local general advice. Skistar is aware of this," says Anders Lindblom, who believes that the authorities have a good dialogue with Skistar and that the company has taken responsibility during the corona crisis.
The number of cases of illness is also increasing in the Jämtland Härjedalen Region, which includes Skistar's facilities in Åre and Vemdalen.
”"We have an increased spread of infection, but not as great as in other regions," says Anna Fremner, head of primary care for Region Jämtland Härjedalen.
In Norway, Ski facilities in both Trysil and Hemsedal. However, the Norwegian Public Health Agency, FHI, is concerned about developments in the country - the number of cases has risen significantly in recent weeks. On Thursday, the Norwegian government introduced new recommendations and urged the population to avoid unnecessary domestic travel.
”"This means a strong brake on all tourist travel in Norway," writes Preben Aavitsland, chief physician at the Norwegian Public Health Authority FHI, in an email to Di, adding that the advice may look different when the ski season begins.
Skiers take their turn responsibility and has introduced a number of precautionary measures in consultation with, among other things, healthcare at all destinations, says CEO Stefan Sjöstrand.
”In our ongoing dialogue with the Public Health Agency, they have been positive about the measures we have taken to corona-safe our destinations,” he continues. Among the measures are digital solutions to avoid queues at check-in and check-out.
According to the CEO, the increased spread of infection has not yet affected the start of the winter season, which is planned for mid- or late December depending on snow and cold.
How do you view the risk that Skistar will be advised to close down again?
”"It's very difficult to comment on. In our discussions with healthcare, we have learned that they have learned a lot about how to treat this disease and we have an ongoing dialogue. We are following developments closely and the authorities' recommendations."”
In light of the strong demand ahead of the winter season, is it justifiable to gather so many people at your destinations?
”"When we indicate the booking status, it only shows who has booked at the given time compared to the year before, it does not necessarily mean that there will be more guests than normal. Alpine skiing is a contact-free outdoor activity and the Public Health Agency says that the risk of infection is low in the lift and outdoors on the slopes - that is the activity we conduct."”
It is also important that guests take their responsibility and do not travel if they have symptoms of illness, adds Stefan Sjöstrand.
Have you received many cancellations?
”I can’t answer that because we’re between reports.”
Since the report was released on October 1, Skistar shares have plunged on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. In total, the share has lost around 18 percent in the last month.
”We believe in our business in the long term and I hope our investors do too,” says Stefan Sjöstrand.
Source: di.se
