iN PHOTOS: Are people staying home? These photos tell the story

These are unprecedented times. We've been hearing that a lot lately.

As many have been isolating indoors some for time, however, the full effect of  quarantine measures on our busiest urban areas hasn't been seen.

During the week, between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., traffic would usually peak as thousands return home from work.

With most of us now working from home, we can see in these photos that this is no longer the case.

The Bennett Bridge in Kelowna, usually backed up at this time, is completely clear of traffic. The intersection of Highway 97 and 33 is also unusually free of congestion.

Even on a Sunday, the highway was quiet.

The same can be seen in downtown Vernon, during what would typically be "rush hour."  

Streets and sidewalks in Kamloops are eerily empty, despite the sunny weather.

There's not much activity, and although it may be a little creepy, it's a sign people are taking Dr. Bonnie Henry's orders seriously.

Shopping is not a priority for anyone right now, which is clear to see in these shopping mall photos from Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops and Penticton.

This trend was already beginning three weeks ago, as seen in the video below of an empty Orchard Park Mall in Kelowna.

Kelowna's downtown Library parkade is usually pretty full, but shortly before noon April 7 there was plenty of empty spaces.

However, there's one place that has been consistently busy during the entire pandemic, and that's Costco.

Although the initial buying panic has subsided, it takes longer than usual to get into the store due to the capacity limits put in place by Costco to enforce social distancing. 

Despite the startling emptiness in once busy areas, it's important to remember that these are good signs.

People are staying home to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we're beginning to see the positive effects in the numbers from our Public Health officers.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Brie Welton or call (250) 819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.