Additional Measures for Central Okanagan Communities Amid COVID-19 Surge

 
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On August 6, British Columbia announced additional measures for the Central Okanagan region, effective immediately. Restrictions on events and gatherings will begin on August 9.

The restrictions apply to the communities of:

  • Kelowna

  • West Kelowna

  • Westbank First Nation

  • Peachland

  • Lake Country

The new measures have been introduced because 56% of active cases are in Interior Health Authority, with the vast majority in the Central Okanagan region. A significant majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals and individuals who have only received a single dose.

Due to the continued rise of COVID-19 cases, and the introduction of the Delta variant, new measures include:

Travel and Accommodation

  • Vacation rentals and accommodations (houses/houseboats included) will be limited to 5 people plus occupants

  • Recommendation against non-essential travel to and from the Central Okanagan

Personal gatherings

  • Outdoor personal gatherings limited to 50 people

  • Indoor personal gatherings limited to groups of five people from one other households

Organized gatherings

  • Indoor/outdoor gatherings limited to 50 people with COVID safety plan in place

  • Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs, Casinos

  • Nightclubs and bars will be closed

  • Restaurants will be limited to groups of up to 6 people (not restricted to own household)

  • Liquor service limited until 10pm

  • Casinos will remain operational under current guidelines but must comply with restaurant guidance

Exercise Facilities

  • Indoor low intensity exercise will continue with capacity limits

  • Indoor high intensity exercise will be suspended

Masks

  • Mask mandate will continue to be in place for all indoor public places and is enforceable by by-law officers in the Central Okanagan

Events Taking Place This Weekend:

As mentioned restrictions on gatherings and events will take place on Monday, August 9. Should you have an event planned for this weekend, organizers should ensure they have safety plans in place and keep a list of individuals who attended these events. Unimmunized people are strongly encouraged not attend these events; other attendees should wear masks and stay seated.

Encouraging Vaccinations:

The single most important action we can all do to protect our industry, community, and ourselves is to receive both vaccine doses and encourage others to do the same. To encourage residents of British Columbia to become fully vaccinated, the government of BC has taken the following measures:

  • Community events, vax vans and mobile clinics in dozens of communities in B.C. available by walk-in or pre-scheduling. Search by community to find a drop-in event near you. Events are organized by each health authority. Interior Health is the primary health authority for the Thompson Okanagan region.

  • People who live in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and on Westbank First Nations lands (Central Okanagan Local Health Area) can get their second dose 28 days after dose 1, opposed to 48 days.

  • 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

Additional Recommendations for Operators:

In addition to encouraging others to receive the vaccine, it is important that operators take the following steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

  • Ensure that cleaning and sanitization protocols are being held to the highest standards

  • That you encourage staff to stay home from work and receive a COVID-19 test should they be feeling ill

  • That you continue to ensure your communicable disease plan is being followed

  • Consider also ensuring that heightened safety measures (such as masks) are being implemented

Tourism Industry Key Messaging

Health and safety continues to be the top priority. Public health leaders are putting additional recommendations in place to protect us all.

Residents and visitors are asked to follow the public health measures set by the province, communities, and individual businesses to protect people, businesses, and the economy from the continued spread of COVID-19.

Businesses are facing challenges like never before. Visitors are reminded to be kind, patient, and supportive of businesses and employees.

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 free supports:

TOTA will continue to advocate to government. Through this time, let's support each other, stay safe, and continue on the #Journey2Immunity.

 
Thompson OkanaganThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationMM 2021-08-09