Gyms relieved, nightclubs disappointed as B.C. updates COVID-19 restrictions
CTV
On Tuesday, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced gyms could re-open on Jan. 20 – but pubs and nightclubs must remain closed until at least Feb. 16.
In December, as the number of Omicron cases started to surge, B.C.’s provincial health officer ordered fitness facilities and liquor-only establishments to close their doors.
On Tuesday, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced gyms could re-open on Jan. 20 – but pubs and nightclubs must remain closed until at least Feb. 16.
“So industry is frustrated,” said Jeff Guignard with the B.C. Alliance of Beverage Licensees.
“The challenge is for businesses like nightclubs, which do have a path forward providing they can offer full meal service, which they can do with a food truck or a catering company, but that’s not going to work for all establishments."
Guignard is now asking the province to extend the COVID-19 relief grants to businesses that remain closed for another month, and increase it to $10,000 per business.
“We have no confidence at all the orders will not be added or extended after Feb. 15. I think that information doesn’t exist yet, so we will have to wait and see where we are, which means another month of holding our breath,” said Guignard.
At Club 16 Trevor Linden Fitness, staff are being called back and equipment is being cleaned in anticipation of a Thursday re-opening.
