Interior Health continues to manage the growing Central Okanagan COVID-19 outbreak initially declared on July 28.
“COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in the Central Okanagan,” said Interior Health 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.”
All Central Okanagan residents who test positive for COVID-19 since July 1 are counted among this outbreak. Since July 1in the Central Okanagan:
“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. “It is important for everyone, even people who may have been sick with COVID-19 earlier this year, to get immunized because the vaccine protects you against the different strains of the virus.”
The interval between first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses has been decreased to 28 days bringing the option of full protection to more people, sooner.
The public is reminded Interior Health has placed the following restrictions for 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:
Masks remain mandatory for all people age 12 and older in indoor public areas throughout the Central Okanagan. Non-essential travel to and from the region should be avoided.
These restrictions remain in place until further notice.
Although most cases are among individuals under 40 years old, IH is also now seeing COVID-19 exposures in health care facilities, businesses, restaurants and social settings. These additional measures will protect service industry staff, patrons and our broader community.
How to get vaccinated
People can also get their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by dropping in to any IH immunization clinic or by making an appointment.
To make an appointment, register online by visiting the provincial website at: www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/, 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 and other resources visit: