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Peachland  

Peachland mayor Cindy Fortin asks residents to all wear masks

Mayor pleads for masks

Peachland mayor Cindy Fortin took to social media on Saturday pleading with residents to wear masks, as a means of preventing the spread of COVID-19. 

Following a slow and rainy start to the summer, the former nurse says now the Okanagan is finally getting sunny days, it's "easy to forget" we are still in the midst of a pandemic.

"I know we’re all sick and tired of COVID-19 -- but it’s better than being sick and tired, and struggling to breath[e].

"We were doing well in B.C., but we now have had a stark demonstration on how quickly just a small group of people can spread this deadly virus amongst the population ... it doesn't take long, and only takes a person or two to start the spread."

Fortin addressed rumours of one or multiple COVID-19 positive cases in Peachland in her post, saying she "has no doubt" it is true, but has not been able to confirm this information with Interior Health (IH).

Local mayors are not informed by IH of cases that may be in their community, which is something she's voiced her concerns about during teleconferences with provincial ministers and mayors. 

"I strongly feel it’s important for the public to see that COVID is not an abstract thing happening elsewhere. Often times things don’t seem real for people when they are happening in another community, or big city, state or province far away, like New York, Florida, California or Texas. Or even Ontario and Quebec. It’s way over there!
Sometimes things just don’t seem real until we see it for ourselves. And the public deserves to be fully informed, even when it’s difficult to accept, in order to make informed decisions."

In her post, she confirmed she is hoping all residents in Peachland will soon be required to wear face coverings in public places or buildings. 

"For those who feel it’s an infringement on their rights…what about other people’s right to be healthy? Seat belts, helmets, not drinking and driving…those are all things we do (or don’t do) for our own safety, and that of others.

"COVID-19 will not hold us in its grip forever. We are strong enough to make it through this difficult time. Please don’t make this a politic issue, call it a hoax or conspiracy. And please wear a mask and social distance when out in public."



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