Interior Health says there have been 1,690 COVID-19 cases in the Central Okanagan since July 1, as it continues to manage the outbreak in that part of the province.

In a statement, the health authority says those numbers are continuing to trend upwards.

“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.”

The health authority says all Central Okanagan residents who tested positive for COVID-19 since July 1 are being counted as part of this outbreak, which was initially declared on 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,” Interior Health interim chief medical health officer, Dr. Sue Pollock, added.

“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.”

People are now eligible for their second dose of a COVID vaccine 28 days after their first dose, a move which began in the Central Okanagan but has now been expanded across the province.

As well, additional restrictions remain in place until further notice in 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, as follows:

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

Masks remain mandatory for all people over the age of 12 in indoor public areas throughout the Central Okanagan. Non-essential travel to and from the region should be avoided, according to Interior Health.

“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,” the statement added. “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 vaccine clinic or by making an appointment. That can be done online, by phone at 1‑833‑838‑2323, or at a Service BC office.

For a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 immunization clinics and other resources, go here.