COVID-19 restrictions: B.C. gyms reopening this week, other measures extended
The B.C. government has extended most of the COVID-19 restrictions imposed last month to combat the spread of Omicron, but is allowing gyms to reopen under new guidelines.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the high levels of COVID-19 transmission still occurring across the province, as well as record numbers of test-positive patients in hospital, mean the bulk of the current measures must remain in place until Feb. 16, at the earliest.
Those restrictions limit the size of household gatherings, ban indoor events such as weddings receptions, prohibit bars and nightclubs from operating, and strictly regulate the behaviour of diners in restaurants.
Some of the measures have been controversial since they were announced in mid-December, when little was known about the highly-transmissible Omicron variant, but Henry said it's become clear that they have made a difference.
"I know that many people felt that we were overreacting," she added.
"My challenge is to find that balance of making sure we're doing just enough to address the situations we're in and not allowing our system to be overwhelmed."
The decision to close fitness facilities in particular was met with much pushback from the industry, which argued that helping people stay healthy, both mentally and physically, should be a priority nearly two years into the pandemic.
Henry said after developing new guidelines in collaboration with the Fitness Industry Council of Canada, the province is taking the "cautious step" of allowing gyms to reopen on Jan. 20.
Previous vaccine passport requirements remain in place, while the new guidelines include a minimum space of seven square metres around each person exercising.
"In addition, masks must be worn at all times, except when exercising, as we know that can cause challenges for some people," Henry said. "However, I will say it is absolutely encouraged during exercise, depending on what you're doing, for most people, given what we know about Omicron right now."
COMBATING 'NARRATIVE' AROUND VARIANT
The decision to extend most of B.C.'s restrictions was based on the increased understanding of how Omicron – now the dominant variant in the province – is impacting the state of the pandemic locally, and Henry tried to address what she described as a "narrative around right now that Omicron is mild."
While many people have experienced relatively mild symptoms, officials said several groups have emerged as being at higher risk of serious illness, even with Omicron: the unvaccinated, people over age 70, and the immunocompromised. All of them deserve protection as the Omicron wave continues, Henry said.
"We need to really pay attention," she said. "With the high rates of transmission, there are still lots of people who do get seriously ill."
B.C.'s seven-day average for deaths related to COVID-19 has been climbing for weeks, going from 1.29 per day at the start of January to 6.29 per day as of Monday. Last weekend, someone died from complications related to COVID-19 every 3.3 hours, on average, in British Columbia.
It's unclear whether the steady increase in fatalities is linked to the resurgence of outbreaks in long-term care homes and assisted living facilities. There are now dozens of active outbreaks in those settings across the province; as recently as Dec. 22, there were none.
Henry noted that even people age 70 and up who are fully vaccinated face a higher risk than the general population, as people's immune systems become less responsive as they get older, and they are more likely to have underlying conditions.
Even young and healthy people can suffer severe outcomes from COVID-19, officials added, pointing to data that shows approximately one in 10 people will experience symptoms that last for 12 weeks or longer, even with Omicron.
"That's a long time to be seriously ill," Henry said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Here are some gardening questions, answers
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.