B.C. gyms opening regardless of public health orders in 'Operation Green Light'
As many British Columbians waited to find out whether the current public health orders would change, some businesses decided to reopen regardless.
A social media movement called Operation Green Light called on gyms, fitness centres and dance studios to open Tuesday morning, even if B.C.'s COVID-19 restrictions didn't change.
And as it turned out, they didn't change – at least not immediately. Gyms will be allowed to open, but not until Thursday.
New guidelines will be in place when that happens.
There was some confusion initially about whether the restriction would be dropped, as the deadline initially was 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. On Monday afternoon, the provincial government quietly updated the public health order to remove the expiry date. After the update was reported by local media, Health Minister Adrian Dix claimed this move did not necessarily mean the restriction had been extended indefinitely. He said the date was removed to allow time for the provincial health officer to address updates to restrictions.
The plans were made clear Tuesday afternoon.
But hours and even days earlier, some decided they'd open regardless of the decision on whether gyms could reopen.
Those taking part in Operation Green Light, described by Iron Energy Gym in West Kelowna as a "bold move" that will "serve as a message of hope and make fitness essential in B.C.," opened their doors Tuesday morning.
Iron Energy has been open other days as well, despite visits from the RCMP and Interior Health Authority inspectors armed with $2,300 violation tickets.
It's unclear how many gyms and other businesses will take part in the "operation," but many shared posts on social media suggesting they'd planned to open their doors Tuesday.
Gym owners and members who've expressed their frustration in the past over the restrictions announced Dec. 22 have questioned why liquor and cannabis stores are considered more essential, and why movie theatres and sports arenas are considered safer, than their facilities, and thus can stay open through the Omicron wave.
They've cited both the mental and physical benefits of exercise, which is harder to get outdoors in the winter.
Health officials including B.C.'s top doctor, Bonnie Henry, have mentioned the younger demographics at gyms – people who are working or going to school, and may have families, and therefore a larger network to spread COVID-19 among – and said those monitoring the spread have "repeatedly seen the gyms become amplifiers."
She and Dix have been asked to make public the data backing the gym closures, but said last week that they couldn't tell the public about every case linked to a gym, though they have seen a pattern and consider the environments "higher risk."
In addition to facing fines and further enforcement efforts, businesses that opt to defy public heath orders are not eligible for grants from the province meant to offset some of the financial impacts of the pandemic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.