Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Amandalina Letterio

COVID-19

New COVID-19 closures take a toll on local businesses, some Kamloops gyms decide to stay open

Dec 23, 2021 | 4:20 PM

KAMLOOPS — New COVID-19 restrictions have stopped gyms and nightclubs from operating all over the province as of Thursday (Dec. 23).

Geralyn Cormack is the co-owner of a fitness centre and an instructor at other locally owned gyms. She said she feels like she has ‘no fight left.’

“I just don’t know that studios can survive this. We can’t be continually opening and closing, gaining a member here and there only to lose them when we have to close again,” said Cormack, co-owner of Movement Collective in Kamloops.

The restrictions are in place until Jan. 18 — contingent on COVID-19 numbers dropping.

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However, nightclub owner David ‘Pup’ Johnston says he’s already lost money with the cancellation of his New Years Eve party.

“I’ve had to refund tickets, not only refund tickets, but the administrative cost of the tickets as well. So, we’re losing right off the back there. Thankfully, I hadn’t bought food yet but I do have a lot of bottles of champagne,” Johnston explained.

On Thursday morning, the provincial government announced a new relief grant. Businesses forced to close could receive between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the number of employees it has.

“In the past, businesses have used these dollars to provide support for their employees and some have used it for rent. So we wanted to make sure that it was broad enough that the business can decide what their immediate need is and use that for their immediate need,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation.

“The government needs to take a step back and look at what they’re closing and why,” said Cormack.

Both business owners recognize the closures are to stop the spread of the virus in the community, which lowers the number of hospitalizations — But with the new omicron variant and no end to the pandemic in sight, Geralyn says it might be time for the province to take a new approach because its taking a toll on small business owners.

“I’m not in a position, nor do I want anybody else to be in a position to put their families into debt, to try to keep their studios afloat. But it’s also incredibly sad because I know I don’t want to quit,” said Cormack.

Three Kamloops gyms intend to remain open. Gold’s Gym, Ladies Only Fitness and No Limits Fitness have all posted the same message to their Facebook pages stating they will continue operating despite the Public Health order to close.