COVID-19 Update for Thompson Okanagan
New COVID-19 Health Measures for Central Okanagan
Interior Health (IH) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in the Central Okanagan due to significant increases in COVID-19 transmission and announced measures effective July 29, 2021 for the Central Okanagan communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Kelowna, and Lake Country.
Restrictions Include:
Mandatory masks in indoor public spaces. Patrons must wear masks unless seated
Masks are encouraged to be worn outdoors if you are unable to physically distance
Physical distancing required in indoor and outdoor places (e.g., between tables, line-ups, etc.)
Events should be organized outdoors and not indoors
Gatherings have a limit of 50 people or 50% of the venue's 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
Reducing the second-dose interval to four weeks, to get people vaccinated quicker
Discouraging non-essential travel to the region by people who are not yet fully vaccinated (7 days after second dose)
Expanded asymptomatic testing availability
Remind your staff to stay home if they are sick and get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms
The measures will remain in place for at least 14 days and until the region experiences lower cases and higher vaccination rates.
Benefits of Vaccination
Now that over 80% of British Columbians are fully vaccinated, the benefits of vaccination are clear:
Data from the BC Centre of Disease Control (BCCDC) shows that less than 5% of COVID-19 cases from June 15 to July 15 were among fully vaccinated people. More than 95 per cent of recent cases in the Central Okanagan are among people who are not fully-immunized against COVID-19.
During the same time period, 78% of people hospitalized in B.C. with COVID-19 were unvaccinated.
Since June 15 there have been no deaths or hospitalizations in fully vaccinated people under 60 in B.C.
This is an important reminder that immunization is our most effective prevention against COVID-19.
Public health officials are not recommending non-essential travel for those who have not been fully vaccinated. Those who have been vaccinated may continue to travel, and we ask they do so safely and responsibly.
Vax for BC Campaign
The Province of BC is making it easier than ever for people to get vaccinated with the launch of the Vax for BC campaign to help as many eligible people as possible get vaccinated.
In July, Interior Health (the main health authority for the Thompson Okanagan region) had the second highest rate of unvaccinated individuals, with 26% of the population listed as unvaccinated.
Beginning on July 27, 2021, and lasting throughout the month of August, there will be:
Community events, vax vans and mobile clinics in dozens of communities in B.C. available by walk-in or pre-scheduling
Provincewide Walk-in Wednesday on Aug. 4, 2021
Gradual refocus of vaccine efforts from mass clinics onto programs targeting the hard to reach people where the need is greatest.
A full list of Vax for BC events happening throughout the province is available online: gov.bc.ca/vaxforbc
How Can the Tourism Industry Help?
The pandemic is not over and the situation can change at any time. The tourism industry needs to continue to lead and do our part to ensure that we continue to stay open by help prevent the spread of the virus. While these temporary restrictions are in the Central Okanagan, it is an important reminder for all tourism companies to:
Stay informed of the latest health regulations and guidelines from Interior Health
and Ministry of Health.Check-in with staff and ensure that your communicable disease plan is being followed by all guests and staff, including cleaning protocols and sanitization. Staff should not come in to work if feeling ill and should continue to wear masks
Reassess your company's Communicable Disease Prevention Plan and get a free 1:1 review from go2HR.
Ensure employees are aware they are entitled to 3 hours of paid leave to be vaccinated against COVID-19.4
Support Interior Health's campaign #Journey2Immunity by using the hashtag and link www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca to encourage others to get vaccinated on your personal social media channels.
Share the facts about the benefits of getting fully vaccinated as soon as possible - for example, Big White Ski Resort has shared the benefits along with photos of their team lead and Loose Moose mascot wearing a mask.
Business Support
The TOTA team is here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program tourism companies can access the following supports:
1-1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to share challenges faced by your business
Through this time, let's support each other, stay safe, and continue on the #Journey2Immunity.
