Indoor, adult group fitness activities are suspended across B.C. to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the wake of surging COVID-19 cases.
The new provincial public health orders will go into effect at midnight tonight (March 30) and will remain in effect until April 19.
"COVID-19 continues to create challenges for people and businesses throughout B.C., and we are grateful for the sacrifices people continue to make to keep one another safe," said Premier John Horgan.
"We know that the idea of more restrictions is not welcome news, but we are asking people to rise to the challenge with the confidence that vaccines mean better days are ahead. We are not out of the woods yet, but the provincial health officer's orders, combined with our vaccines, give us the tools we need to move out of this pandemic together."
Indoor, adult group fitness activities of any kind are paused. Currently, gyms and fitness centres are restricted to individual or one-on-one activities only i.e. one-on-one personal training.
Indoor low-intensity group exercise
Indoor low-intensity group exercise is prohibited until April 19 at midnight. These include:
- Yoga (Hatha)
- Low intensity exercise machines and cardio equipment
- Pilates
- Light weightlifting
- Stretching
- Tai-Chi
- Low intensity Barre classes
Gyms and recreation facilities
Gyms and recreation facilities that offer individual workouts and personal training sessions can remain open as long as they have a COVID-19 Safety Plan that is strictly followed.
"The sacrifices we make today will help all of us to get through this storm."
"Rising case levels, variants of concern, increased transmission and an increase in more severe cases are huge concerns," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "B.C. public health officials are making the tough choices now to break the chain and protect our communities."
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, said: "Social connection is important, and so is keeping our loved ones and ourselves safe. We all have a choice - to stay safe or put our loved ones, our friends and ourselves at risk, which is why non-essential activities need to be limited and need to be outside with the same small number of people. The sacrifices we make today will help all of us to get through this storm."
Restaurants in B.C. must also suspend indoor dining across the province.
