Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Jill Sperling

COVID-19

How Kamloops is keeping up with tightening COVID-19 restrictions

Oct 27, 2020 | 4:11 PM

KAMLOOPS — COVID-19 cases are on the rise in B.C., with the province recording 217 positive cases of the virus in the past 24 hours.

On Monday (Oct. 26), Dr. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a new order limiting household gatherings to the immediate household plus six others within your bubble.

“Orders are enforceable by bylaw officers, police officers and environmental health officers in the same way that we had order during the summer at rental properties in places and I expect that the same processes will be followed,” explained Henry in a media conference Monday. “So, yes you can complain if there’s a large party as you would for any noise complaint or other things.”

The order comes ahead of Halloween, a popular day for costume parties and indoor gatherings.

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“There will be no Halloween parties,” said Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian, “there will be no large gatherings, including weddings unless you can keep those numbers to less than what the Provincial Health Officer has ordered.”

According to the Kamloops RCMP, officers remain focused on education, but say those who blatantly disregard the rules could face fines.

“The RCMP will follow direction from the Provincial Health Authorities when it comes to enforcing physical distancing, public gatherings, and isolation directives for COVID-19,” said Sgt. Darren Michels in an emailed statement. “RCMP Officers have the authority to use a measured approach when it comes to dealing with these types of situations. We remain focused on educating and encouraging members of the public whom aren’t following the rules set out by the Health Authorities to do so.”

Michels adds complaints regarding violations of the order should first be directed to the Bylaw Enforcement Office.

Dr. Henry has also relayed her expectation that people will wear masks in public indoor spaces.

The city of Richmond has made mask wearing mandatory in all city-operated facilities. Christian says Kamloops could do the same.

“I have a meeting next Monday with the Medical Health Officers here and our occupational health and safety team are constantly monitoring what best practices are,” he said. “We may be looking at a mask requirement within civic facilities in Kamloops at some time, but wait until we hear from the epidemiologists of the advisability of that.”

Some businesses in Kamloops already require staff and customers to wear masks, but the increase in cases could see more following suit.

“That would be what we would advise businesses,” said Kamloops Chamber of Commerce President Tyson Andrykew, “move forward like this is an order because when the order does come you don’t want to be caught off guard, you don’t want a major shift in how you operate or how your team operates.”

The Kamloops Chamber is also asking the city’s residents to be patient and understanding as businesses adjust their practices.