Fitness centres ordered to close by Interior Health

All fitness and training facilities in the Interior Health region have been ordered to shut down immediately.

The demand comes from the chief medical health officer (MHO) at Interior Health (IH).

The order covers all fitness centres, gyms, yoga studios, or similar personal training facilities whether indoors or outdoors.

“The chief MHO has determined that gatherings of people at these facilities constitute close personal contact, which promotes the transmission and increased spread of COVID-19,” said a news release from IH.

“Fitness centres and gyms are encouraged to adopt virtual training and support as an alternative to gatherings at facilities.”

MHO Dr. Sue Pollack said the order allows IH to communicate fairly with all fitness facility operators.

“This order is not directed at any one specific facility. We will not speak to cases connected to specific facilities unless we’ve determined there is a risk to the general public,” said Pollack.

The order is in effect until May 30, 2020.