A sigh of relief could be heard across the province as BC health officials announced that gyms and fitness centres will be able to reopen on January 20th.
In a live press conference Tuesday, BC Health officials announced new guidelines surrounding the re-opening of gyms and individual and group fitness classes across the province.
In December 2021, all indoor gyms and fitness facilities in the province were ordered to close due to the potential they created for the spread of the Omicron.
These orders were meant to curb transmission of the virus throughout the holidays and were set to remain in effect throughout the month of January.
See more: All BC gyms and fitness studios ordered closed to stop spread of COVID-19
Now, gyms and fitness studios across the province will re-open with capacity limits and continued use of the BC Vaccine card on January 20th.
According to the new guidelines outlined by Dr. Bonnie Henry, 7 square metres of space must be made between those exercising, both in the gym and in fitness classes.
Masks are required when entering/leaving gyms and fitness studios as well as while moving between equipment.
Although masks are not required while actively working out, it is strongly encouraged.
Gyms and fitness studios will continue to enforce strict cleaning measures and look at methods of pre-booking and increased time between classes.
