Gym closure order made 'without any supporting data,' MLA says in letter calling for reversal

A B.C. MLA is calling on the NDP government to reverse a COVID-related public health order, claiming it was made "without any supporting data."

A B.C. MLA is calling on the NDP government to reverse a COVID-related public health order, claiming it was made "without any supporting data."

In an open letter to the health minister, Ben Stewart, the representative for Kelowna West and a member of the opposition Liberals, wrote that his office has received "many" calls and emails from constituents frustrated with the current order.

Gyms and fitness centres in the province were closed on Dec. 22 by a new public health order in place until Jan. 18 at least. The provincial health officer has hinted that some of B.C.'s restrictions will be extended beyond that date, but has not said which ones.

"The decision was made for British Columbians without any supporting data that gyms and fitness centres were causing the spread of COVID-19," he wrote.

Gyms have been closed multiple times during the pandemic, but were most recently open with safeguards in place, he wrote, listing measures in place to keep patrons safe. He mentioned the important role exercise can play in physical and mental health, and noted the weather makes it difficult to do some outdoor activities, such as going for a walk.

Stewart wrote that "many studies" have shown the health benefits of gyms, though he did not cite any specific research.

He suggested instead of mass closures, the public health order should be reversed, allowing gyms and fitness centres to stay open with measures in place to manage the risk.