‘We need to remain vigilant’: Basran speaks on Kelowna’s COVID-19 cases

There’s been no shortage of discussion about the eight COVID-19 cases detected in Kelowna recently, so Mayor Colin Basran has taken to the opportunity to address the public.

He says the City of Kelowna is following all orders and recommendations from Dr. Bonnie Henry and with no travel restrictions within Canada, “we know people are going to come to Kelowna.”

“However, Dr. Henry has asked that people coming to our communities from outside regions to use their “travel manners” and respect the physical distancing rules and proper hygiene orders,” explained Basran.

“If people don’t do that, the risk of COVID transmission is going to increase…so everyone needs to continue to take this health risk seriously and take the necessary precautions.”

Basran says the City has done what it can to help local businesses operate safely while handling an increased load of customers and tourists.

That includes expanding commercial space onto sidewalks and streets so that safe physical distancing can be maintained.

Businesses must have an approved COVID-19 safety plan, approved by WorkSafeBC, and Kelowna bylaw officers are doing what they can to ensure people adhere to physical distancing protocols around the site.

The mayor said that if we don’t want to go back to phase two, we need to continue with the mindset that helped the province have one of the best responses to limit COVID-19 transmission in North America.

“We need to remain vigilant, because we’ve seen how quickly a few lapses in judgement can turn into a serious problem,” he said.

“It’s my hope that with everyone doing their part, we all can enjoy Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley – just two metres apart.”

Basran said that outdoor activities with proper physical distancing is permitted and everyone should continue to keep a safe distance from others, wash their hands, wear a mask when needed and stay home if they’re feeling sick.