The province took the unprecedented step of imposing new and tighter restrictions for central Okanagan communities (only) on Wednesday. If you live in Lake Country. Kelowna, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation Territory, and Peachland - these new orders apply to you.
THE NEW RESTRICTIONS AND MANDATES:
Interior Health (IH) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in the central Okanagan and announced measures to contain the outbreak:
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Effective last night (midnight), IH is placing a regional mandatory mask order for all public indoor spaces in the central Okanagan communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Kelowna and Lake Country. The order applies to individuals older than 12 years of age.
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People from outside the central Okanagan are discouraged from non-essential travel to the area for the duration of the outbreak unless they are fully vaccinated (7 days after their second dose).
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When businesses in the central Okanagan experience three or more COVID-19 cases, IH medical health officers will now have the option (and authority) to follow up and issue a closure order.
- Gatherings have a limit of 50 people or 50 percent of the total capacity
- Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs must have COVID-19 safety plans in place. Liquor service can remain at normal hours but people should not be socializing between tables.
- Nightclubs can remain open, with up to 10 people at a table and seated
- IH is also reducing the second-dose interval to four weeks, to get people vaccinated quicker and they are also expanding asymptomatic testing availability.
- This order will remain in place for 14 days or until the outbreak lessens or vaccination rates increase.
As a reminder, Step 3 includes a return to normal for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings; however, in the central Okanagan people should be more cautious:
- Organize events outdoors rather than indoors, if possible.
- Maintain physical distancing, hand cleaning, and stay home if you are sick.
- Continue to set a maximum capacity for indoor organized gatherings at 50 people or up to 50 per cent of a venue’s total capacity.
- Events scheduled during this outbreak in the central Okanagan should have a COVID-19 safety plan in place.
Interior Health also advises that they are taking steps to make access to COVID 19 vaccines easier including adding pop-up and mobile clinics in downtown Kelowna and throughout the central Okanagan.
For a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 immunization clinics: CLICK HERE
It is worth noting that more than 95 per cent of recent cases in the central Okanagan are among people who are not fully-immunized against COVID-19. The evidence is clear: immunization is the most effective prevention against COVID-19.
The Chamber is also calling on the public to be patient and mindful of the stress on businesses as we all collectively navigate this new environment. To those businesses being impacted, please don't hesitate to reach out to the team at the Chamber if you need support.
This is a minor setback on our restart plan but with continued resilience, respect, and determination - we will successfully navigate this most recent challenge.
#OKWeGotThis
