Interior Health allows 50 per cent capacity for large events; participants must be fully vaccinated

KAMLOOPS – Interior Health updated its COVID-19 regional orders to make it possible for larger events to go ahead in the Interior, if participants show proof of full vaccination.

All participants at all large events in the Interior can be held at 50 people or 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity – whichever is greater. Outdoor events may include 5,000 people or 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity – whichever is greater. Proof of full vaccination will be required for participants and spectators at all events.

For smaller organized events, participants will be required to show proof of vaccination, a minimum one dose, until Oct. 24, then full vaccination (two doses) from Oct. 24 and beyond. Indoor events may be held with up to 50 people, and outdoor events may be up to 100 people.

“We can’t let our guard down now. Getting vaccinated and being able to show proof of vaccination is how we can now resume some events and activities safely and with more people,” Interior Health President and CEO Susan Brown states.

High-intensity group exercise classes in the Interior are now permitted, provided all participants and instructors are fully vaccinated with two doses. All other fitness and exercise classes require proof of a minimum of one dose of the vaccine until Oct. 24, after which time two doses will be required.

The following regional medical health officer orders remain in place across the Interior region:

• Gatherings in vacation rentals are limited to five guests or one other household.
• Outdoor personal gatherings (such as birthday parties, backyard barbecues, and block parties) are limited to no more than 50 people, and indoor personal gatherings are limited to five guests or one other household

Non-essential travel to or from the Interior, while not illegal, remains discouraged until individuals are fully vaccinated.

Elsewhere, the Central Okanagan Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order is now lifted, and alcohol service may resume after 10 p.m. effective immediately. These measures will remain in place until Interior Health experiences lower cases and higher vaccination rates.

The provincial mask mandate in public indoor settings remains in place.

Residents can get their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by dropping in to any Interior Health immunization clinic, or by making an appointment online.