Costco Kelowna. Just before noon, April 7.

(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

Kelowna’s contingent of anti-maskers are intent on having their opinions known and the RCMP are being called in to deal with each case as it arises.

Kicking off Costco’s stricter mask requirements, a maskless shopper went to the Kelowna warehouse Monday, Nov. 16, and refused to wear a mask upon entering the business. He then refused to leave when requested to do so by staff, Const. Solana Paré said in an email.

“Our officer attended to investigate the allegation of trespassing,” Paré said in a release. “After a discussion with attending officers, the patron agreed to leave the business without further incident.”

Kelowna RCMP said that businesses have the right to ask their patrons to wear face coverings or non-medical masks while on premises in the absence of the ability to socially distance and to refuse service for non-compliance.

“Individuals have the right not to attend the business if they decide not to wear a protective mask to help prevent the spread COVID-19,” she said.

It’s not the first time they’ve had to deal with this kind of call.

“We have attended several calls for service in regards to disturbances at businesses related to individual requirements to wear non-medical masks and/or to sanitize upon entry where patrons have been refused service for non-compliance and refusal of service by the business,” Paré said.

“Kelowna RCMP officers will continue to educate people about the guidelines and the impacts during this pandemic as needed. We highly encourage everyone to respect provincial health orders for their safety and the safety of others.”

While masks raise a lot of ire they’re not the only COVID-19 related issue causing work for local Mounties.

Kelowna City Hall has been hit by pandemic-protesting vandals twice in two weeks.

"Lest we forget our veterans sacrificed their lives fighting to preserve a free world for us. Now we have surrendered those freedoms..." read part of the last message that went up on Remembrance Day.

Police released a photo of a person of interest, described as approximately six feet tall with a slim build, wearing ripped blue jeans, a balaclava and a black winter jacket with a hood.

Today, Nov. 17, there were 717 new cases of COVID-19, including one epi-linked case, for a total of 23,661 cases in British Columbia.

There are 6,589 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. There are 198 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 63 of whom are in intensive care.

"The biggest impact you can make is through the small actions you take every day,” Dr. Bonnie Henry and Adrian Dix said in a joint statement announcing new numbers today.

"Just as we put on our jackets to keep us warm in the rain and snow, so too are our COVID-19 safety layers there to protect all of us. Washing your hands, keeping a safe distance and always wearing a mask in places where you are  around people you don't know - these things make a difference.”

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