DAWSON CREEK -- The B.C. government has extended most of the COVID-19 restrictions imposed last month to combat the spread of Omicron, but is allowing gyms and fitness centres to reopen under new guidelines.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the update Tuesday afternoon, noting that COVID-19 transmission and hospitalization numbers remain high across B.C.
During the press conference Tuesday, Henry announced gyms are able to open starting Thursday with strict COVID-19 plans in place.
It was a confusing 24 hours leading up to the announcement, the lack of clear and timely information from the province fueled speculation that gym restrictions would be extended once again.
“I would like to apologize for the confusion on the order timing and the adjustments that were required yesterday. The intent was to have the order in place until I could provide clear orders at today's briefing” says Henry.
The guidelines for gyms and fitness centres include a minimum space of seven square metres around each person exercising at any given time, masks must be worn at all times, all gym equipment must be sanitized after each use and proof of vaccination is required for all people entering and using fitness facilities.
"After looking at the data that we have, today I'm taking the cautious steps of reopening gyms and exercise facilities with capacity limits and continued use of the vaccine card," added Henry.
After hearing the announcement, a Dawson Creek gym owner was overcome with emotion.
"I can not even express how thrilled we are. It makes me very excited to open my business back up, we've always been concerned about people's safety, we want to be able to follow all the rules and regulations and it's just thrilling they're finally allowing me to run my business," says Tammy Schmidt, Gridiron Fitness Owner.
The MLA for Peace River South has been a strong advocate for vaccines however, Mike Bernier says he has been struggling with the rationale in keeping gyms closed.
"It's been a rollercoaster for the gyms in our region for a long time, we just need to get them back open and they need to stay open," says Bernier.
Gym owners across the province have been pushing back against those orders over the past few weeks.
A social media movement called "Operation Greenlight" called on gyms and fitness centres to open Tuesday, whether restrictions were lifted or not.
"It's been a trying couple of years, a lot of the information that's out there hasn't always been accurate, there has been a lot of talk but not a lot of support to actually show why things were closed," says Schmidt.
While Schmidt is now able to open her doors this week, she says the continuous closures have been devastating.
"If I could speak to Dr. Bonnie Henry right now, I'd let her know about the devastation that these regulations have caused a lot of people over the last couple years," added Schmidt.
However, Schmidt along with many other gym owners and members are happy to be able to get back to what they love.
