Many health restrictions in BC will be extended today (Tuesday), but gyms and fitness centers can start to reopen on Thursday (Jan 20).

Dr. Bonnie Henry said businesses will be under strict COVID-19 safety plans.

“A lot of this is based on what we learned when we had our phased restart of gyms and fitness centers in 2020 and 2021.”

The number of people allowed in gyms at the same time will be restricted, with rules such as 7 square meters of space needed between each person, up to a maximum of 25 people.

“These new guidelines have been developed and we have been working very closely with the Fitness Industry Council of Canada.”

Masks will be required at all times except when exercising.

Henry also noted that there needs to be improved ventilation without fans or heaters, and advance reservations and time between classes should be considered.

The restrictions were originally scheduled to expire today (Tuesday) and were implemented on December 21, 2021.

Those additional measures that were extended to the province will be reviewed on February 16, and include:

  • no organized indoor social events and gatherings of any size;
  • concerts, sports games, and theaters reduced to 50% seating capacity, regardless of venue size;
  • closure of bars and nightclubs;
  • and limit the size of tables in restaurants, cafes and pubs to a maximum of six people per table with physical distancing or barriers.