More than a month after being forced to close due to COVID-19 concerns, BC's gyms, fitness centres, martial arts facilities, dance and yoga studios can officially reopen on May, 19.

However, it won’t be businesses as usual, with Interior Health implementing several health measures that must be met in order to operate: 

• Businesses are being asked to limit capacity, not permitting 24-hour unrestricted access and considering using a booking system to control the number of patrons in specified time slots;
• Contactless forms of payment and check-in are strongly encouraged;
• Increasing space between cardio machines to proper physical distancing measures;
• Patrons should be encouraged to conduct their workout and exit the facility without unnecessary delay:
• Equipment should not be shared or used simultaneously (e.g. working in sets);
• No group classes unless patrons are able to remain two metres from one another at all times during a class;
• Closing basketball courts and other group sport areas, saunas, and steam rooms;
• No food service or drinking fountains;
• Consider developing online fitness participation until such time that physical distancing recommendations are suspended;

"Any facility wishing to resume operation needs to develop a plan based on the attached guidance and have it available for public and enforcement agency review," said Interior Health in its announcement. 

Photo Credit: Unplash.

Facility operators may also contact their local Environmental Health Office.

Additional guidance for facility operators will come from WorkSafeBC, Interior health said.

The public can ask further questions by calling the non-medical COVID-19 phone line at 1-888-COVID19 (268-4319).