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
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police
The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.