The Okanagan Indian Band didn’t mince words on Thursday morning, issuing a press release asking non-residents not to visit reserve lands for the immediate future due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Normally, B.C.’s southern Interior is awash in visitors during the Easter long weekend, but with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, the Vernon-based band said staying home is the prudent thing to do. “Our simple message for those contemplating visiting or staying on or near the near OKIB reserve is please don’t,” he added. “As chief and council, we want to ensure that we do everything we can as a First Nation to safeguard our community and in particular our elders. [ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ] “