DAWSON CREEK -- B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer is facing criticism for closing gyms, Dr. Bonnie Henry has been receiving backlash from gym owners over the decision.

However, provincial health officials aren’t only hearing backlash from gym owners.

A local MLA has written a letter to B.C.’s top doctor and Health Minister, asking for the restrictions to be rescinded.

Dan Davies, the MLA for Peace River North says gyms are essential. Especially this time of year.

“The big picture is, we need to be looking after people's mental health, gyms especially in the winter are essential. We are in a new year, people have made commitments, so I think it's absolutely critical that we keep these open,” says Davies.

Davies says gyms aren’t only important for mental health, but for physical health as well.

“There's no doubt that over the last few years, people's mental health and physical health are extremely important," says Davies.

Toni MacDonald, owner of Fort Nelson Fitness and Atheletics agrees with davies. 

"At this point we need a better stratagy, what we're doing right now isn't working," says McDonald.

MacDonald explained, gyms being closed is hard on owners.

"It's awful, it's just awful. It's mentally, emotionally, financilly draining, It's exhausting," says MacDonald.

In an email sent to CJDC-TV News, Dr. Henry says "While I may not have, and certainly right now. I can't tell you every single case that's been linked to a gym, but we can tell you that we've seen this as a pattern, that these are environments that are higher risk and when there's a lot of transmission in the community, particularly in that age group, so the age demographic that is going to gyms that is highly connected."

Henry explained, there is a higher risk of transmission in places such as gyms.

"We know there is increased risk with exertion and increased respiratory rate that is specific to gyms versus restaurants. We encourage and support online classes and know that that has been very helpful when these setting have been closed in the past during periods of high risk for transmission," says Henry. 

However, gym owners and memeber should stay hopeful. Henry says she is working with the fitness industry to ensure that people can get back to the gym as soon as possible.

I'm working very closely with the fitness industry, with the sports groups, to make sure that we can get back to doing safe activities in gyms as soon as possible, as soon as this wave passes.

Province-wide restrictions on gatherings and events are likely to be extended as COVID-19 transmission remains high across British Columbia, health officials said Tuesday.

But Dr. Henry suggested the government might relax other measures, if they are no longer deemed necessary to limit the spread of the Omicron variant.

"The restrictions on gatherings and events are likely to remain unchanged for now," Henry said at a news conference. "In parallel, we are looking at what we can safely resume now that all businesses have COVID safety plans."

The decison weather or not to extend the provincial health order keeping gyms closed, will be made next Tuesday, January 18th.