Interior Health urges South Okanagan residents to have evacuation plan

Interior Health is asking residents to build an emergency plan in the event of an evacuation due to the Christie Mountain wildfire and to assume that COVID-19 is in every community.

Interior Health's emergency operation centre has been activated and planning includes public health measures to protect against COVID-19, according to an IH news release.

In the event of an evacuation, residents should start planning for a safe place to go, also keeping in mind that there are still risks of COVID-19 throughout the province.

"If you are vulnerable to the risks of COVID-19, or plan to reside with someone who is vulnerable, consider ways to reduce your contacts and bubble now to help keep yourself and your hosts safe," according to the news release.

READ MORE: Embers biggest concern for firefighters in upper east side of Penticton

IH has outline the following COVID-19 precautions:

• Stay home and avoid travel if you have symptoms, even mild ones.
• Maintain physical distancing (two metres apart) and use masks when distancing is not possible.
• Wash your hands regularly and do not touch your face.
• Do not plan or attend gatherings of more than 50 people. Limit gatherings to out of doors whenever possible.

Testing is recommended for anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Loss of sense of taste or smell
• Other milder symptoms may include: runny nose, fatigue, body aches (muscles and joints aching), diarrhea, headache, sore throat, vomiting and red eyes.

Information is available online about testing and public exposures to COVID-19 throughout the Interior Health region. More wildfire health-related information is also available through IH's website.

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