Vancouver – On Wednesday, Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, issued a joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia.
As the cumbers continue to rise, this latest order reads in part:
We have seen that if we maintain our distance, we can be outside, we can go to parks and play games without close contact.
“However, we continue to see that indoor group activities – whether for fitness or team sports – are much higher risk right now. The details of sports activities have been added to the order on events and gatherings. This order is available on the PHO website.
“The order requires that right now, all indoor group high intensity fitness activity is prohibited. This includes: hot yoga, spin, aerobics, bootcamp, dance classes, dance fitness, circuit training, and high-intensity interval training.
“Low intensity fitness activity like yoga, Pilates, tai chi, stretching and individual fitness activity is also suspended until new guidelines are available to resume these activities safely.
“These new guidelines will be available next week and will require some changes to COVID-19 safety plans. Approval is not needed for the updated plans, but monitoring and enforcement will be targeted to these locations and activities.
“All indoor adult team sport is also prohibited. This includes basketball, cheerleading, combat sports, martial arts, floor hockey, floor ringette, ice hockey, ringette, netball, skating, soccer, squash and volleyball.
“Structured child and youth programs and sport are permitted, but must meet and follow the ViaSport Phase 2 requirements.
“We know the restrictions put an added burden on what is an already difficult time for all of us, but they are what is required right now.
“Despite the fatigue, let’s stand strong against this virus. We are asking everyone in B.C. to please do a bit more right now and help everyone to see us through to the light ahead.”
“We strongly recommend and ask everyone in B.C. to not travel right now, unless it is absolutely essential for work or medical care. This includes travel within B.C. and between provinces.
“A provincial health officer (PHO) order cannot stop you from getting into your car or onto a plane, but I am asking in the strongest of terms to not travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
“If a family member is planning to return home for the holidays, then it is critical they follow all of the orders and guidelines here in B.C., which means no socializing and no gatherings of any kind.
