Harvey Avenue, looking east from pedestrian overpass near Parkison Recreation Centre, Kelowna. 3:15 p.m. March 22.

(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

These are unprecedented times. We've been hearing that a lot lately.

As many have been isolating indoors some for time, however, the full effect of  quarantine measures on our busiest urban areas hasn't been seen.

During the week, between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., traffic would usually peak as thousands return home from work.

The Bennet Bridge, Kelowna. 4:30 p.m. April 7.

Image Credit: Drive BC

With most of us now working from home, we can see in these photos that this is no longer the case.

The Bennett Bridge in Kelowna, usually backed up at this time, is completely clear of traffic. The intersection of Highway 97 and 33 is also unusually free of congestion.

Intersection of Hwy 97 and Hwy 33 in Kelowna, looking north up 97. 4:28 p.m. April 7.

Image Credit: Drive BC

Even on a Sunday, the highway was quiet.

Harvey Avenue, looking east from pedestrian overpass near Parkison Recreation Centre, Kelowna. 3:15 p.m. March 22.

(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

The same can be seen in downtown Vernon, during what would typically be "rush hour."  

Downtown Vernon. 30 Ave. 4:30 p.m. April 7.

(BEN BULMER / iNFOnews.ca)

Streets and sidewalks in Kamloops are eerily empty, despite the sunny weather.

Lansdowne St and 3rd Ave, Kamloops. 1:45 p.m. April 7.

(JENNA WHEELER / iNFOnews.ca)

There's not much activity, and although it may be a little creepy, it's a sign people are taking Dr. Bonnie Henry's orders seriously.

Victoria St, downtown Kamloops. 1:40 p.m. April 7.

(JENNA WHEELER / iNFOnews.ca)

Shopping is not a priority for anyone right now, which is clear to see in these shopping mall photos from Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops and Penticton.

Capri Mall, Kelowna. Noon April 7.

(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

The Village Green Mall, Vernon. 5 p.m. April 7

(BEN BULMER / iNFOnews.ca)

Best Buy and Cineplex at Aberdeen Mall, Kamloops. 12:45 p.m. April 7.

(JENNA WHEELER / iNFOnews.ca)

Winners parking lot, Penticton. 4:10 p.m. April 7.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

This trend was already beginning three weeks ago, as seen in the video below of an empty Orchard Park Mall in Kelowna.

Kelowna's downtown Library parkade is usually pretty full, but shortly before noon April 7 there was plenty of empty spaces.

Library parkade, downtown Kelowna. Noon April 7.

(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

However, there's one place that has been consistently busy during the entire pandemic, and that's Costco.

Costco Kelowna. Just before noon, April 7.

(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

Although the initial buying panic has subsided, it takes longer than usual to get into the store due to the capacity limits put in place by Costco to enforce social distancing. 

Costco Kelowna. Just before noon, April 7.

(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

Despite the startling emptiness in once busy areas, it's important to remember that these are good signs.

People are staying home to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we're beginning to see the positive effects in the numbers from our Public Health officers.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Brie Welton or call (250) 819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2020