Regional Update: Non-Essential Travel Not Recommended

As the May long weekend approaches, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) including the City of Penticton, Town of Oliver, Town of Osoyoos, District of Summerland, Village of Keremeos and the Town of Princeton is asking visitors to follow current provincial health directives and avoid travelling at this time.

“Normally at this time of year we welcome thousands of visitors from across B.C., Alberta and other regions who would be in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys for tourism and recreation,” says RDOS Chair Karla Kozakevich. “But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re asking visitors to follow provincial health directives and temporarily avoid non-essential travel.”

Many of our smaller communities and rural recreational lakes throughout the Regional District have been inundated with visitors which puts health care professionals, first responders and all citizens at risk. With the influx of visitors, any medical issues due to COVID-19 will also put our small rural hospitals and health care facilities over capacity, and unable to serve both visitors and residents.

Together, we can do our part to protect vulnerable people from COVID-19. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We look forward to seeing you again soon, under more favourable circumstances.