Hold onto your hats, folks, because BC has declared a regional outbreak of COVID for the Central Okanagan region. The region, which includes summer destinations like Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country, will see a few major changes take place at midnight tonight. Here’s what to know.
The news comes after a recent uptick in COVID cases in the Interior Health region. As of today, the region accounts for over half (412) of the total active cases (758) in the province. What’s more, there has been at least one ‘public exposure’ event currently linked to a nightclub in Kelowna.
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NEW: Masks are now mandatory in all public indoor spaces in Central Okanagan (Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country, Westbank First Nation), effective at midnight tonight. Masks are also recommended outdoors when people cannot safely distance.
— CBC British Columbia (@cbcnewsbc) July 28, 2021
Basically, declaring the outbreak means that the mask mandate will return for indoor public spaces for the foreseeable future. Additionally, there will be increased enforcement of Step 3 restrictions, which still do not allow things like socializing between tables at restaurants or indoor organized gatherings with over 50% capacity.
Meanwhile, the update comes with a few recommendations as well. One of those is the use of masks in general for those who are not vaccinated and cannot maintain physical distance. Additionally, and maybe most importantly, non-essential travel, if you’re not fully immunized, to the region is now discouraged. Sorry pals, but this might not be the best spot for a long weekend getaway.
We’ll keep you updated as more info comes out!
