There was no shortage of discussion about the eight COVID-19 cases recently discovered in Kelowna, so Mayor Colin Basran took the opportunity to speak to the public.
He says the city of Kelowna is following all of Dr. Bonnie Henry and with no travel restrictions within Canada: “We know people will come to Kelowna.”
“However, Dr. Henry has asked that people coming to our communities from outside our regions use their ‘travel methods’ and adhere to the rules of physical distancing and proper hygiene procedures,” said Basran.
“If people don’t do this, the risk of COVID transmission will increase … so everyone must continue to take this health risk seriously and take the necessary precautions.”
Basran says the city has done everything it can to help local businesses operate safely while handling an increased number of customers and tourists.
This includes expanding the commercial space to include sidewalks and streets to ensure safe physical distancing.
Businesses must have an approved COVID-19 safety plan in place that has been approved by WorkSafeBC, and Kelowna bylaws officials do their utmost to ensure employees adhere to physical distancing protocols on the website.
The Mayor said if we are not to go back to the second phase, we must move on with the mindset that helped the province find one of the best answers to limit COVID-19 transmission in North America.
“We have to stay vigilant because we’ve seen how quickly a few misjudgments can become a serious problem,” he said.
“I hope we can all enjoy Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley – only two meters apart.”
Basran said that outdoor activities are allowed with reasonable physical distance and everyone should continue to keep a safe distance from others, wash their hands, wear a mask if necessary, and stay home if they feel sick.
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