Advertisement

Coronavirus: Hundreds lineup outside of Costco in Kelowna

Click to play video: 'Hundreds line up for groceries in Kelowna'
Hundreds line up for groceries in Kelowna
As grocery stores limit the amount of shoppers allowed inside - due to 50 person limits on gatherings, large lineups have begun to be a regular occurance outside of grocers. – Apr 18, 2020

As grocery stores limit the number of shoppers allowed inside — due to 50-person limits on gatherings — large lineups have begun to be a regular occurrence outside of grocers.

In Kelowna, hundreds of people lined up to get groceries at Costco.

“I got here at about 9:50 a.m. and just got out now, about two hours total [spent in line],” said Jeffrey Smith, a Kelowna resident.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: No increase in number of confirmed COVID-19 cases for Interior Health region

Story continues below advertisement

Physical distancing measures appeared to be in place and shoppers were cognisant of the two-metre rule.

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“We’re not seeing transmission of the virus from very fleeting contact outside or places like grocery stores,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Outbreak at Alberta oilsands work camp prompts warning from Interior Health

 

Gatherings of more than 50 people in B.C. have been banned since March 16, but do these grocery lineups break that ban or not? 

The Interior Health Authority says the lineups are within B.C’s guidelines.

READ MORE: Forget about PNE, other summer events amid COVID-19 measures, says B.C.’s top doctor

Interior Health sent Global News a statement regarding the parking lot lineups.

“Public health is recommending no large, uncontrolled social gatherings, where people are freely intermingling (such as parties, events, etc.). Well-regulated lines of people waiting for entrance to commercial establishments, that have outside marking to ensure people stay two metres apart, is following through on the social distancing recommendations. It is also following through on the guidance of ensuring no indoor crowding is occurring inside retail establishments. All these practices are in place at Costco.“

Story continues below advertisement

No statement was given by Costco regarding the hefty lineups outside.

Click to play video: 'Longtime care aides at Okanagan long term care facilities say working during the pandemic has the been most stressful and difficult time  of their careers'
Longtime care aides at Okanagan long term care facilities say working during the pandemic has the been most stressful and difficult time of their careers

Sponsored content

AdChoices