COVID -19 outbreak declared in Central Okanagan – Restrictions reintroduced

KAMLOOPS – COVID-19 restrictions are returning for residents of the Central Okanagan including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland.

Interior Health has declared an outbreak for the region. The announcement was made today (July 28) by B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Effective midnight tonight, masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces for anyone aged 12 and older within the Central Okanagan region. Masks are recommended outdoors if people cannot socially distance and if they’re not immunized.

Dr. Henry says the growth of new virus cases can’t be ignored. “This is a wake up of what can happen if we start to see introduction of the more transmissible variants.” She added it’s not unexpected to see a rise in cases but she says sustained transmission is a sign that measures are necessary to beat the virus.

Non-essential travel in and out of the Central Okanagan is discouraged for anyone who is not fully vaccinated.

Dr. Sue Pollock, Interior Health’s interim chief medical health officer, noted several businesses in the service industry in the Central Okanagan have voluntarily closed due to positive COVID-19 cases amongst their staff. Pollock said Interior Health will follow up with businesses with more than three COVID-19 cases linked to their establishment. If necessary, they can be ordered to close.

Events within the Central Okanagan are recommended to be planned outdoors when possible. Pollock said practises of physical distancing, sanitizing, and staying home when sick are critical. She added fairs, festivals, and trade shows may continue, but must have disease plans in place.

Casinos and night clubs may remain open. Night clubs may only have up to 10 people per table, with no socializing between tables and dancing permitted. Liquor service at restaurants, bars, pubs, and stores will not change.

Gyms and exercise facilities may operate, as long as they have a disease control plan in place with increased cleaning, physical distancing, and mask wearing.

The gap between first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine dropped to 28 days for the Central Okanagan.

The move was made in response to a distributing rise in new COVID-19 cases within the Interior Health region. The province reported 185 new cases in B.C Wednesday (July 28), and says there are currently 909 active cases. More than 60 per cent of new cases were found in the Interior Health region, with 113 new cases, and 503 active cases.