BC gyms, fitness studios and dance classes will soon be allowed to return to full capacity, after a mass lifting of COVID-19 restrictions was announced on Tuesday.
In a live press conference, Premier John Horgan joined BC Health Officials in announcing the new guidelines surrounding fitness and sports, which also includes the reinstatement of all tournaments.
According to officials, the return to full capacity for the above will be allowable as of Wednesday, February 16th at 11:59 p.m.
The easing of restrictions is one of the province’s first steps as it moves towards shifting to sustainable, long term COVID-19 management, health officials say.
Despite the above, Dr. Bonnie Henry reiterated that some public health measures are here to stay until at least March, such as masks in indoor public spaces, COVID-19 safety plans, and the BC Vaccine Card.
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.
On January 20th, gyms were reopened to British Columbians with capacity limits and continued use of the BC Vaccine Card.
When it comes to gyms and fitness, here’s what’s changing as of Wednesday, February 16th at 11:59 p.m.:
- Gyms, fitness centres at full capacity
- Adult sports at full capacity
- Dance classes at full capacity
- No restrictions on swimming
- No further sports tournament restrictions
Also announced today were lifting of restrictions surrounding indoor, outdoor and personal gatherings, as well as the news that restaurants, bars and nightclubs will be allowed to return to full capacity and mingling between tables and dancing will also be permitted.
According to the province, BC is one of the most vaccinated jurisdictions in the world.
As of today, 90.5% of British Columbians 12 and over have received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine—55% of eligible kids 5 to11 have also received their first dose.
“BC has a very high level of population immunity to the virus, estimated >90% have either been vaccinated or probably infected,” the province said in a media release.
