Interior Health lifted its COVID-19 regional medical health officer Gatherings and Events Order at midnight last night.

“We’ve been closely monitoring COVID-19 activity, hospitalizations, and immunization rates in Interior Health and we’ve seen our cases drop,” said Dr. Sue Pollock, Interior Health’s interim chief medical health officer. “We will be lifting the regional restrictions tonight and people will be able to host gatherings in their home and indoor events will be able to return to full capacity with proof of vaccination.”

The provincial orders remain in effect. Proof of vaccination is required for indoor events with more than 50 people. Indoor events are now allowed at 100% capacity and outdoor events continue to have capacity restrictions of 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater. Mask requirements for public indoor settings remain in effect.

There are no capacity restrictions for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings in private homes and vacation accommodations. It is still recommended to keep groups small and gathering outside is safer than gathering inside.

See details on the provincial restrictions.

People 12+ can get their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by dropping in to any Interior Health immunization clinic or by making an appointment. Booster doses and immunizations for children five to11 are by appointment only.

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.

Testing is available by appointment to anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. People can book an appointment online here or call 1-877-740-7747 between 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.

e-KNOW file photo

Interior Health

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