(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Dave Barry

COVID-19 Update

Interior Health: more than 95 per cent of COVID-19 cases during Central Okanagan outbreak from residents not fully immunized

Aug 11, 2021 | 1:12 PM

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health (IH) has put out of plea to the unvaccinated, especially those in the Central Okanagan – get vaccinated.

“COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in the Central Okanagan,” said IH President and CEO Susan Brown. “Over 95 percent of COVID-19 cases related to this outbreak are among people not fully immunized and the majority are 40 years or younger.”

IH says 1,690 Central Okanagan residents have tested positive of COVID-19 since July 1. The numbers have continued to increase since restrictions were put in place July 28.

“We are calling on everyone, especially people under 40, and anyone working in health care or the service sector, to get immunized. It is the most effective way to bring this outbreak under control,” said Interior Health Interim Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Sue Pollock.

Residents of the Central Okanagan region including the District of Peachland, City of West Kelowna, City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country and the Regional District of Central Okanagan have been living with the following restrictions:

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• Indoor and outdoor dining is allowed at restaurants for groups up to six people and liquor service must stop at 10 p.m.
• Casinos may remain open with a COVID-19 safety plan in place
• Nightclubs and bars are ordered to close (only those establishments with a full meal service may stay open)
• Gatherings in vacation rentals (including houseboats) are limited to five guests, plus the occupants
• Outdoor personal gatherings (e.g., birthday parties, backyard BBQs, block parties) are limited to no more than 50 people, and indoor personal gatherings are limited to five guests or one other household
• Indoor organized gatherings and outdoor organized gatherings (e.g., weddings, funerals, seated events) are limited to no more than 50 people with a COVID-19 safety plan in place.

Sports and exercise:

• Indoor low-intensity group exercise is permitted with reduced capacity
• Indoor high-intensity group exercise is not permitted during this time

These restrictions remain in place until further notice.