'Our social responsibility': Kelowna restaurant voluntarily closes after 'several' staff members test positive for COVID-19
A restaurant in Kelowna, B.C., is voluntarily closing for a few days after several staff members recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Central, a restaurant and bar close to Kelowna's Waterfront Park, issued a statement on social media late Sunday night.
"We are sad to report that, despite our industry leading COVID safety measures, Central has had several staff members test positive for COVID-19," the statement said.
"We feel it our social responsibility to close for a short period of time to ensure we are doing our part in curbing the spread throughout our neighbourhood."
The statement said it had received information from Interior Health that suggested "several restaurants, bars and nightclubs are experiencing outbreaks."
CTV News Vancouver has reached out to Interior Health for more information. The health authority does not have any workplace closures listed on its website. Just one exposure notice is listed for Gotham Nightclub, which happened on July 18, according to Interior Health.
Regarding that exposure, Interior Health said a "cluster" of infections had been identified, but didn't say how many. Gotham was the second nightclub in B.C. to be the subject of a public exposure warning since the province allowed such facilities to reopen with COVID-19 safety plans in place on July 1.
Health authorities in B.C. only issue public exposure warnings when there is a risk of COVID-19 transmission and officials are unable to contact everyone who may have been exposed.
Central said it plans to remain closed from July 26 through July 30. The restaurant's statement said its COVID-19 safety measures include wearing masks, physical distancing, partitions and sanitizing stations.
"This is not an easy decision but Central has always operated with the health and well-being of our staff and customers at the forefront of our business operations," the statement said.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Ian Holliday
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.