Parking fees suspended at Interior Health sites

Interior Health is suspending pay parking for everyone at its sites, effective April 1 until further notice.

The health agency said the change is intended to help support the public, and their dedicated staff and physicians, during the Covid crisis, and also to reduce the risk of virus transmission from the continued use of pay parking machines.

“Interior Health pay parking machines require individuals to touch screens and buttons that may have been touched by someone previously. Discontinuing the use of pay parking machines reduces the risk of potential spread of infection and also supports physical distancing measures that have been mandated by the Provincial Health Officer,” said an IH news release.

Employee payroll deductions for parking fees are also being suspended for the time being to be fair to all health staff.

“Interior Health reminds everyone about the importance of limiting close contact with others by staying a minimum of six feet apart outside our homes, frequent handwashing, using virtual options to connect with others, limiting shopping to only essential outings, avoiding large gatherings, and staying home if you are sick,” stated the news release.