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Interior Health announces additional COVID-19 restrictions for Central Okanagan

Lone Sheep Publishing
By Lone Sheep Publishing
August 7th, 2021

In a media release Friday, Interior Health said it is upping the ante in a response to slowing the outbreak of new COVID-19 cases in the Central Okanagan.

Interior Health said it is managing the central Okanagan COVID-19 outbreak declared on July 28, 2021, by implementing additional restrictions to reduce transmission.

Interior Health said effective Friday at 10 p.m., the following restrictions will be in place for the central Okanagan region including: District of Peachland, City of West Kelowna, City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country and the Regional District of Central Okanagan).

Those restrictions include:

  • Indoor and outdoor dining is allowed at restaurants for groups up to six people and liquor service must stop at 10 p.m.
  • Casinos may remain open with a COVID-19 safety plan in place
  • Nightclubs and bars are ordered to close (only those establishments with a full meal service may stay open)
  • Sports and exercise:
  1. Indoor low-intensity group exercise is permitted with reduced capacity
  2. Indoor high-intensity group exercise is not permitted during this time
  • Gatherings in vacation rentals (including houseboats) are limited to five guests, plus the occupants

Interior Health said additional restrictions will apply beginning Monday, August 9, at 9 a.m.

  • Outdoor personal gatherings (e.g., birthday parties, backyard BBQs, block parties) are limited to no more than 50 people, and indoor personal gatherings are limited to five guests or one other household
  • Indoor organized gatherings and outdoor organized gatherings (e.g., weddings, funerals, seated events) are limited to no more than 50 people with a COVID-19 safety plan in place

Interior Health said masks remain mandatory for all people age 12 and older in indoor public areas throughout the central Okanagan as well non-essential travel to and from the region should be avoided.

Interior Health said these restrictions remain in place until further notice.

“Although most cases are among younger adults, IH is also now seeing COVID-19 exposures in health care facilities, businesses, restaurants and social settings,” the Interior Health release said.

“These additional measures will protect service industry staff, patrons and our broader community.”

Interior Health said more than 95 per cent of recent COVID-19 cases in the central Okanagan are among people who are not fully immunized against COVID-19 and this is an important reminder that immunization is our most effective prevention against COVID-19.

Friday BC Ministry of Health announced 464 new COVID-19 cases in the province, with more than half (275) reported in Interior Health.

How to get immunized

People can get their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by dropping in to any IH immunization clinic or by making an appointment.

To make an appointment, register online by visiting the provincial website at: www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/, call 1‑833‑838‑2323, or visit a Service BC office listed here, and then book an appointment.

For a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 immunization clinics and other resources visit:

https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-vaccines/

To learn about B.C.’s Restart Plan and COVID-19 Immunization Plan, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid

Categories: GeneralHealth

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