Chamber seeks equity on capacity limits

VERNON – An inconsistent approach to Covid-19 and vaccinations across the province is negatively impacting North Okanagan businesses, says the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

Interior Health continues with 50 per cent capacity limits for indoor sporting events and theatres despite capacity limits being lifted in other parts of B.C. with proof of double vaccination.

“We are extremely concerned about the disparities between regions and we are calling on MLA Harwinder Sandhu and Health Minister Adrian Dix to take steps that ensure public health while allowing economic recovery to continue,” said Robin Cardew, Greater Vernon Chamber president.

“We appreciate that Interior Health’s protocols are based on low vaccination rates in the Interior and the potential spread of Covid, but the same situation exists in other health regions. If patrons to an event must be double-vaccinated and wear a mask, all communities in B.C. should be treated equitably when it comes to capacity. At a minimum, Interior Health and the government need to provide a benchmark so businesses know what level of cases must be reached before capacity limits shift.”

Interior Health was expected to provide an update on capacity limits Oct. 22, but as of Oct. 27, no clarity has been released by the health authority. The provincial health officer indicated Oct. 26 that a decision on Interior Health capacity limits could occur within the coming week.

IH’s capacity limits of 50 per cent remain for indoor sporting events, concerts and movie theatres.

“How is someone attending a Vernon Vipers game or a concert at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre more at risk than someone pursuing those activities in Vancouver or Victoria if they all wear masks and show their vaccination passports?” said Cardew.

“Business owners and non-profits have taken significant measures to provide a safe environment for their patrons and staff, while navigating the financial challenges Covid-19 has created since spring 2020. They require a consistent set of rules and not a patchwork of protocols based on lines on a map. We would urge business owners and residents to contact the provincial government to express concerns about the two-tiered restrictions in B.C. and insist that recovery for all regions must be a priority.”
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:     
Dan Proulx, General Manager    
Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, E: manager@vernonchamber.ca  P: 250-545-0771