COVID-19 Information

In addition to the ongoing mask mandate, proof of vaccination in the form of BC Vaccine Card is required for British Columbians to enjoy certain services, businesses and recreational events safely (full list below). Travellers to BC will also be required to show proof of vaccination.

WFN strongly recommends anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. For Interior Health vaccination clinic locations, visit news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-immunization-clinics/

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, anytime, anyplace. 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

Provincial Wide Restrictions

Mask Mandate

There is currently a Provincial Health Officer Order in place which requires individuals (aged 12 and up) to wear masks in indoor public spaces.

Proof of vaccination applies to the following businesses, services and events:

Indoor ticketed sporting events
Indoor concerts, theatre, dance, and symphony events
Licensed restaurants and cafes, and restaurants and cafes that offer table service (indoor and patio dining), including liquor tasting rooms in wineries, breweries, or distilleries
Pubs, bars, and lounges (indoor and patio dining)
Nightclubs, casinos, and movie theatres
Gyms, exercise/dance facilities/studios and these activities happening in recreation facilities
Businesses offering indoor group exercise
Indoor adult group and team sports for people 22 years old or older
Indoor organized events with 50 or more people (e.g. wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences and workshops)Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities with more than 50 people (e.g. pottery, art, and choir)
Post-secondary on-campus student housing
Spectators at indoor youth sporting events with more than 50 people

The proof of vaccination requirement, which has been implemented through Provincial Health Officer Orders, will apply to both BC residents and visitors to the province who are 12 years of age or older. By October 24, you must be fully vaccinated to access some events, services, and businesses. For more information about proof of vaccination and the BC Vaccine Card, please visit the Government of BC website.

Regional restrictions

Regional restrictions are currently in place until further notice to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in the Interior Health Region. These include:

Capacity limits for gatherings:

Personal gatherings:

Up to 50 people outside for events such as backyard BBQs, birthday parties, etc.
Up to 5 guests or one other household for indoor gatherings.

Organized gatherings that require two doses:

Indoor organized events can have a capacity of 50 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity (whichever is greater).
Outdoor organized events can have a capacity of 5,000 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity (whichever is greater).

Limiting the number of people in vacation accommodations to the occupants plus up to 5 additional people (or one household).

High-intensity group exercise is now permitted, provided all participants and instructors are fully vaccinated with two doses.

At this time, non-essential travel to or from the Interior remains discouraged until individuals are fully vaccinated. We are asking residents and visitors to adhere to public health measures in place in our province, in our community, and at individual businesses, to get vaccinated if they are able, and to make safe, smart, and responsible decisions.

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?

On May 5th, 2021, Health Canada approved the minimum age to receive the Pfizer vaccine has recently been lowered to include the 12-17 age group. The health team is planning on holding a vaccination clinic to include the community members who are now eligible dependent on vaccine supply. WFN is following all provincial eligibility guidelines and will continue to update as new information becomes available.

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.

7. Why should I get the vaccine?

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