Operation Green Light – Gyms and Fitness Centers in BC Open Thursday – Latest Cannabis News Today

Gyms and fitness centers are reopening tomorrow in BC and the community couldn’t be happier. BC Public Health Officer Bonnie Henry announced the changes to last month’s restrictions during yesterday’s press briefing. While many residents were waiting for news, some shops had already opened their doors. It may have seemed like an act of rebellion to some, but the reasons behind this movement deserve consideration; it turns out public health officials decided to agree. Here are the details of this situation.

Mandate in December

On December 22, 2021, public health officials announced changes to BC’s COVID-19 mandate. All gyms, fitness centers and indoor sports activities have been closed to protect the public from the Omicron variant. For many, this didn’t make sense as retail stores and restaurants were allowed to remain open. Across British Columbia, there was a murmur of wondering why exercising wasn’t safe while Christmas shopping was.

The impact

Since the pandemic began, personal health has become a daily concern of mainstream society. If, as a pre-pandemic society, we took fitness for granted, we certainly aren’t anymore. There is no question that there is a crucial connection between exercise, health and well-being. If gyms and fitness centers will not be open to the public, there will be people who will suffer; This is especially true for those who use exercise to treat chronic pain, rehabilitate injuries, mental health issues, PTSD, or any other health condition. The potential for harm for the individual is only justifiable if it is absolutely necessary.

On Vancouver Island, Anytime Fitness in Chemainus BC was devastated to hear the news. To the members and staff, this gym is more than a small business, it’s a place to find your fitness community. Although he insisted not to speak for the company, employee Charles Borg was kind enough to tell us about his personal experience. “People have their training for their health and their mental health. Yes, they come to the gym, but it’s not about looking at themselves in the mirror. The vast majority of members come for physical and mental health, obesity support, addiction help, and to boost their self-esteem. It’s about so much more than looks. Then we have to tell these members that even though they are doing so well, they have to take a break from their lives.”

Athletes only

On January 10, 2022, the rules quietly changed. Gyms and fitness centers have been informed they may reopen, but only for individual training, personal training and certified athletes. For many companies, this brought little benefit and much frustration. While it was nice to be able to open their doors to some, they couldn’t open them to everyone. Additionally, no information was provided to explain these changes. When it came to making the argument for the guests, the owners and staff were left on their own. By having to turn away all but a privileged few, these companies found themselves in a really difficult position. Owners and employees were forced to refuse income they badly needed; without being able to justify the reason, valuable business relationships affected.

the petition

It started with a petition demanding information; particularly the data surrounding Covid transmission in fitness environments. according to dr Bonnie Henry “rapidly” transmits the coronavirus at indoor fitness facilities. “What we’re seeing is that in these indoor spaces, even if we have a lot of space and we’ve done everything right, this goes by so quickly.” However, she didn’t provide any evidence to support the statement. For many, that just wasn’t good enough and that became clear during the holiday season. Frustrated by the government’s lack of transparency, the petition quickly garnered over 50,000 signatures.

Operation green light

Yesterday, nearly a hundred gyms and fitness centers collectively defied the public health order and opened to the public. This collective action was organized through social media and quickly became known as “Operation Green Light”. In what appeared to be a final act of civil disobedience, they refused to wait for provincial approval, asking not for permission but for forgiveness. Luckily until 1:30 p.m. that day. The province changed the mandate to include a slow reopening of gyms and fitness centers.

For some fitness enthusiasts, news of the reopening is a welcome relief, for others it means the difference between life and death. “Diabetes was already killing me, Anytime Fitness Chemainus was there to help me fight it when I couldn’t on my own.” – Joel, member of Anytime Fitness Chemainus

To view or sign the petition for fitness center Covid transmission data, click here.

footnote(s)

https://www.cheknews.ca/petition-asks-bc-to-show-data-on-covid-exposures-at-gyms-fitness-centres-or-reopen-them-936170/
https://www.iheartradio.ca/ctv-news-content/bc-gyms-opening-egardless-of-public-health-orders-in-operation-green-light-1.16961552
https://globalnews.ca/news/8517872/bc-covid-update-tuesday-restrictions/
https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/west-kelowna-gym-one-of-dozens-in-bc-flexing-their-muscles-against-covid-19-restrictions/