Public Health officials have declared an outbreak for the Central Okanagan area. This announcement included new COVID-19 measures being mandated in the region effective July 29, 2021.

Kelowna, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland and Lake Country are now mandated to adhere to the following measures:

·        Mask mandate for indoor public spaces to address the COVID-19 outbreak.

·        The order applies to individuals older than 12 years of age.

·        Organize events outdoors rather than indoors, if possible.

·        Restaurants are back to Step 3, which means the maximum capacity of indoor venues has now been reduced.

·        Bars, restaurants and nightclubs must have COVID-19 safety plans in place that includes no socializing between tables.

·        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.

Provincial officials added that the measures will remain in place for at least 14 days and until the region shows lower infection cases.

It was also announced that there have been 240 cases in the region during the past week and that the majority involved those who haven’t been immunized or fully immunized.

Since the announcement, President Dan Goodman has been actively having discussions with our members' employers in the Central Okanagan area and will continue to monitor adherence to these Public Health mandates.