By Canadian Press

Fitness centres can reopen in B.C., other COVID restrictions remain

Jan 18, 2022 | 2:53 PM

VANCOUVER — Gyms and other exercise facilities are being allowed to reopen in British Columbia, a move the province’s top doctor describes as a “cautious step” in lifting COVID-19 restrictions.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says proof of vaccination will be required to use gyms, which will operate under capacity limits and a requirement to provide seven metres square for every person who is exercising.

Henry says other restrictions that went into effect in December will remain in place because of the high rates of transmission of COVID-19 and the number of people needing hospital care.

Bars and nightclubs will stay closed and capacity limits of 50 per cent are still in place for restaurants, theatres and stadiums, and Henry says those restrictions will remain in place until Feb. 16.

She says B.C. is expecting to receive 4,000 doses this week of the COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid, which is designed to help the body fight off a COVID-19 infection. 

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Henry says Health Canada is also looking at approving two other vaccines, including one made from tobacco plants.

However, Henry says people who are holding out for alternatives to mRNA vaccines should know they won’t be available for some time as Omicron spreads quickly and is particularly sickening for people who are unvaccinated.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2022.

The Canadian Press