COVID-19 Information

April 1, 2022 - Masks and proof of vaccination in the form of a BC Vaccine Card are no longer required for British Columbians to enjoy certain services, businesses and recreational events safely.

WFN strongly recommends anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. For a list of Interior Health vaccination clinic locations, visit the Interior health website.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present various challenges to our community and continues to impact us all. A positive diagnosis can happen to anyone. COVID-19 does not discriminate and occurs most frequently when public health measures are not followed. Stay aware, stay informed, and remember that we are all in this together.

Current Restrictions

Interior Health Restrictions

Updated April 1, 2022

When K to 12 schools return from spring break, masks will no longer be required for students, staff and visitors.

As of April 8, 2022 at 12:01 am, further restrictions will be lifted:

Proof of vaccination will no longer be required under public health order to access businesses, events and services o Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination for entry,
Federal proof of vaccination is still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel
Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC
Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing

Mask Mandate:

Wearing a mask in public indoor settings is not required by provincial health guidelines.
Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Masks are encouraged on public transit but not required.
Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises. It is important that we respect the choices of people, businesses and one another.
You must wear a mask in all health care settings, including vaccine clinics and hospitals.

Gathering and exercise restrictions:

There is no limit on indoor and outdoor gatherings or capacity restrictions on any exercise and fitness activities.

Additional Provincial Health Orders can be found here.

Vaccine Information

Common Questions

1. How long does it take to develop immunity against COVID-19 once you have received the vaccine?

Immunity after the first dose was seen 10-14 days following the first dose of the vaccine. Maximal immune response was seen 7 days after the second dose of the vaccine.

2. What is the minimum age to receive the vaccine?

Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty mRNA vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. All COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children follow the same review and approval process.

3. Are there any contraindications to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

The only contraindication to receiving the vaccine is a history of anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any component of the vaccine.

4. Can pregnant and/or breastfeeding individuals receive the vaccine?

The Canadian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SOGC), the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and public health experts in B.C. all agree that people who are pregnant and breastfeeding can get the vaccine.

There is currently no known specific serious risk (such as an increased risk of miscarriage or possible birth defect) of getting a COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding to either the person being vaccinated or the child.

There is no need to avoid starting or stopping breastfeeding if you get the vaccine.

COVID-19 infection can make you very ill and symptoms can be worse if you are pregnant. BCCDC states that if you are infected with COVID-19 and are pregnant, you are three times more likely to end up in the intensive care unit (ICU) than those infected with COVID-19 who are not pregnant.

5. Why should I get the vaccine?

It protects, it is safe, and it is effective.

WFN's COVID-19 Response Overview

COVID-19 RESPONSE TIMELINE

Telephone Directory

WFN Health Services

WFN Community Services - 250-768-0227

To Report Breaches of Provincial Health Orders

WFN Law Enforcement - 250-717-6147

West Kelowna RCMP Detachment - 250-768-2880

Other Health Service Providers

Urgent Primary Care Centre, Westbank - 877-740-7747

HealthLinkBC - 8-1-1

Immediate Crisis, Mental Health, and Substance Uses Support

FNHA: Responding and Keeping People Safe

WFN Facilities

WFN Facilities:

Community Services Building	Open - essential services delivery	Masks required. Please call to make an appointment.
Lindley Building	Open - essential services delivery	Safe work protocols in place.
Sncewips Heritage Museum	Open	Safe work protocols in place.
sensisyusten House of Learning	Open	Safe work protocols in place.
WCDC	Open	Safe work protocols in place.
Russell Building	No public access	Safe work protocols in place.
Elders Hall	Open	Safe work protocols in place. Booking required 250 769 4999.
Youth Centre	Open	Safe work protocols in place.
Gymnasium	Open	Available for bookings after 3:00pm. 250 768 7337 No drop in use. Users must provide a safe use plan
Weight Room	Open to WFN Members	Appointment booking required 250 768 7337
Multi-Purpose Room	Closed to the public