Central Okanagan Update: New restrictions in Central Okanagan

Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,

This afternoon, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, Health Minister Adrian Dix, and Interior Health Interim Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Sue Pollock announced new restrictions to combat the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in the Central Okanagan. This order is aimed at Kelowna, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland, and Lake Country. 

Effective today:

  • Liquor service must end at 10 p.m.

  • Group sizes are limited to six people per table (though there is no requirement that patrons be from the same household)

  • Nightclubs and bars are ordered closed (we interpret “bars” as being consistent with previous Public Health Orders, meaning LPs that do not offer food service)

Effective Monday:

  • Outdoor personal gatherings are limited to 50 people

  • Indoor personal gatherings are limited to five people, or one other household

  • Organized outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people (with a COVID safety plan)

  • Organized indoors seated gatherings are limited to 50 people (with COVID Safety Plans and all patrons required to be seated)

  • These measures come into force on Monday to provide a transition period for events scheduled this weekend. You do not need to cancel or reschedule events this weekend.

We anticipate these measures will remain in place at least until after Labour Day weekend and until the region experiences lower cases and higher vaccination rates. 

We know this is a frustrating step backward that will have a damaging impact on your business. It is vital that we encourage all staff and patrons to get vaccinated as quickly as possible to help bring this regional outbreak to an end. We will circulate more details – including the text of the regional order – as soon as we have them. 

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact jeff@ablebc.ca. 

Increased access to COVID-19 vaccines 

People can get their first or second dose by dropping in at any of Interior Health’s immunization clinics or by appointment. Hospitality workers are guaranteed front-of-the-line access at four drop-in clinics: 

Trinity Hall, Kelowna
Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Thursday, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm 

Rutland Secondary School gymnasium
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm 

Westbank Lion’s Community Centre
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm 

People can also book an appointment if they would like. Register online by visiting the provincial website, call 1-833-838-2323, or visit a Service BC office listed here, and then book an appointment. 

For a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 immunization clinics: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid19-immunization-clinics/ 

For a list of all Interior Health mobile COVID-19 immunization clinics – please note this page is updated regularly: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/mobile-immunization-clinics-making-the-journey2immunity/ 

You can also arrange for Interior Health to join your staff meeting to educate your staff about vaccinations and to administer vaccines. For more details, contact Chris Shewchuck, Director, Interior Health Public Affairs at 250-215-4785 or Chris.Shewchuk@interiorhealth.ca. 

Ann Brydle