COVID-19: New restrictions on gatherings, bars, restaurants amid Okanagan COVID-19 surge | FULL

Amid surging COVID-19 cases in B.C.'s Central Okanagan, health officials are ratcheting up pandemic restrictions in the area.

Speaking at a hastily organized briefing, Health Minister Adrian Dix said more than 56 per cent of active cases in B.C. were in the Interior Health region, most of them in the Central Okanagan.
Nearly half of all ICU cases, 46 per cent, were also in the Interior Health region, he said.

“It continues to be a significant situation," Dix said.

Officials declared an outbreak in the Central Okanagan last week and implemented a suite of restrictions, including mandatory masks in indoor public places.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said those measures are now being significantly increased.

Effective Friday, patrons at restaurants will be limited to groups of six or fewer, and liquor service will be suspended at 10 p.m.

Nightclubs and bars will be closed unless they serve food.

High-intensity fitness gyms are also being temporarily closed, while low-intensity workouts will be permitted with group size limits.

Vacation rentals and houseboats will be limited to occupants, plus five visitors.

Effective on Monday, the province is capping indoor personal gatherings at five people or one other household, while indoor and outdoor events will be capped at 50 people, with a COVID-19 safety plan.

For more info, please go to: https://globalnews.ca/news/8092646/bc-covid-update-august-6-2021//

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