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Masks required at Westbank First Nation buildings, facilities

The requirement comes as other municipalities mandate masks as well
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British Columbia provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry wears a face mask as she views the Murals of Gratitude exhibition in Vancouver, on Friday, July 3, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The Westbank First Nation (WFN) has announced it will make masks and face coverings mandatory in its buildings and facilities.

The move comes after West Kelowna and Kelowna have announced masks will be required in city-operated buildings and facilities as COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the province.

WFN is asking that individuals wear masks or face coverings when visiting the WFN Government/Lindley Building, Community Services, Youth Centre, Public Works/Utilities office and other WFN-operated facilities such as the gymnasium.

WFN is also operating at reduced staffing numbers but continues to serve its members, businesses, developers and residents. To maintain necessary operations while ensuring the health and safety of staff and the community, WFN is asking that members, residents or other customers looking for information, advice or meetings are asked to do so by email or phone and limit in-person contact as much as possible.

All staff will wear masks when physical distancing is not possible.

There will be hand sanitizing stations, directional signage, disposable masks, plexiglass barriers and reduced room occupancies at WFN spaces.

“WFN strongly encourages those feeling unwell not to attend WFN spaces or facilities,” staff said in a statement.

“WFN will continue to follow and promote adherence to the provincial health ministry and the guidelines offered through Dr. Bonnie Henry to strive towards providing a safe and healthy environment in recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

For more information on what WFN is doing to keep the community safe, visit their website.

READ: COVID-19 outbreak declared at La Casa resort in West Kelowna


Twila Amato
Video journalist, Black Press Okanagan
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Twila Amato

About the Author: Twila Amato

Twila was a radio reporter based in northern Vancouver Island. She won the Jack Webster Student Journalism Award while at BCIT and received a degree in ancient and modern Greek history from McGill University.
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