Infectious disease expert hopes B.C. has strong case for closing gyms

A B.C. infectious disease expert says he has yet to see the numbers to suggest COVID transmission is happening in gyms and fitness centres, but he hopes the province does have a strong case behind the closures.

On Thursday, all fitness centres were required to close under the latest public health orders until January 18.

The news sparked outrage from many active British Columbians and experts who were surprised by the province’s approach.

Dr. Brian Conway is the head of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre and tells CityNews he hasn’t seen the numbers to prove there has been the significant spread of COVID in gyms and fitness centres during this current wave. But he says it would important information to share.

“People are disappointed, especially about gyms, which was the place of refuge for many in this era of COVID, a place where they go to really have a time on their own and, and collect their thoughts and calm down and forget COVID for an hour. So I think that closing gyms in particular, I sincerely hope that there was significant information available to Dr. Henry about gyms being a vector of transmission.”

Approaching the two-year mark in this pandemic, Conway believes British Columbians are owed transparency and open conversation “so that we buy into the rules, and we don’t second guess them.”

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Ultimately closing fitness centres robs a lot of British Columbians of their refuge, Conway says.

“To take [fitness centers] away, is significant. So I would hope that there is clear evidence that there was ongoing transmission in gyms, and … that the only alternative was to go from fully open to fully closed, that the issue of potentially having them continue to operate at a lower capacity with reservations with other types of limits in place that was considered and discarded is or they’re not practical or not enough. I think we really have to have these levels of conversation as we go forward. Because people are tired and I think that kind of discussion would make them less tired. Make them answer. You know, I understand now I understand it. I’m disappointed but at least now I understand how you came to that decision. And I’m not sure that information exists as of yet or if it does, I haven’t heard.”

After the latest round of restrictions were announced this week, Dr. Eli Puterman, an associate professor of kinesiology at UBC had some advice for people who are having a hard time with the closures.

He suggested keeping a designated workout time is a good way to start.

Next, find space at home.

He admitted adapting to a routine that doesn’t include familiar equipment can be challenging – but it can also be an opportunity to discover new activities. Ruderman points to a host of apps available to guide people through yoga practices, interval training, and group fitness classes.

And while heading outdoors in the winter might be daunting, he says it’s an option worth exploring, particularly for people who live in small spaces.

“It is cold out, but there’s also many, many schools that are currently closed during the wintertime, and you can go into the school playgrounds. There are always sheltered spots, there are spots that are covered,” he said.

“It’s gonna be a bit more work. But then you’re still able to move your body in those spaces with the right type of clothing.”