Vanderhoof being hit hard by 4th wave of COVID-19

Last week Vanderhoof saw some of the highest rates of COVID-19 per capita in the province.

Mayor Gerry Thiessen has been encouraging those in the community to get vaccinated, although it appears many are still holding out.

“I’m not sure for all the reasons why people aren’t getting vaccinated,” says Thiessen. ” We went through a long period of time where there were almost no cases of COVID in Vanderhoof or the Nechako region, but we knew one day it was going to come.”

Within city limits, the vaccination rate for those 12 and up is 58% in Vanderhoof with two doses as of September 29th.

In rural Vanderhoof, only 53% of the population 12 and older have two doses of a vaccine.

Other regions like Prince George are significantly higher with two-dose vaccination rates of around 80%.

Many businesses continue to face challenges as well, on Wednesday several restaurants had reverted to take-out and delivery only and were not allowing indoor dining.

According to local businesses enforcing BC Vaccine Card rules has been a challenge, many have faced confrontations from customers when asking them to show their vaccination status.

For Bakkerij Lobelle, the community has been extremely supportive, although they have not had to deal with customers showing their proof of vaccination for entry.

Under BC’s rules, the bakery is exempt from the BC’s Proof of Vaccination Program.

Owners Tanya and Ivan Lobelle say when it was tough to meet the bottom line, the community stepped up to keep their doors open.

“It’s been extremely heartwarming to see such a response from the community,” says Tanya.

The pair says they hope better times are ahead describing business in the last number of months similar to being on a rollercoaster.

by Caden Fanshaw

Vanderhoof being hit hard by 4th wave of COVID-19

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