Okanagan city adds mask-wearing requirement

The City of West Kelowna is the latest municipality to update its policy on wearing masks.

The city is now requiring non-medical masks covering the nose and mouth to be worn at city-operated facilities to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

This includes public access to Municipal Hall, Public Works, recreation and any other city facility opened to the public.

The City of Kelowna and Regional District of Central Okanagan announced mask-wearing requirements at their facilities on Monday.

B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer announced the expectation of increased personal protective measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in public spaces, including inside public facilities. As the highest demographic population in West Kelowna is senior citizens, the City extends its sincere gratitude to everyone for doing their part to adhere to the requirements both in and outside its facilities to reduce the risk.

City employees are required to wear masks covering the nose and mouth, particularly when physical separation of 6-feet is not available. This requirement, along with WorkSafeBC safety measures of sanitization of public and work spaces, frequent hand washing, physical distancing and staying home when feeling sick, all work toward reducing the pandemic.

Public participants taking part in recreational activities must adhere to provincial COVID-19 protocols before, during and after play to help protect one another and decrease the exposure to COVID-19.

The city continues to encourage residents to conduct business online or by phone whenever possible to reduce face-to-face interactions.