PICK A SIDE: Was the Province right to close gyms?
Published October 9, 2020 at 6:49 pm
With a record number of COVID-19 cases announced on October 9, Premier Doug Ford and the Conservatives made an emergency announcement wherein they imposed additional restrictions on regions that have seen a significant spike in cases.
These restrictions are being implemented in Toronto, Ottawa, and Peel Region.
As part of these new restrictions, gyms and movie theatres are being forced to close, while restaurants will not be permitted to offer dine-in options in these regions.
Ford had previously suggested he was hesitant to close businesses again and risk people’s livelihoods without “hard, hard evidence,” but after nearly 1,000 cases in a single day, that appears to have changed.
Many took to social media to voice their frustration over the announcement, particularly when it comes to gyms.
Serious question: has there been any Covid outbreaks linked to Ontario gyms?
— Michelle Shaughnessy (@Michellesfunny) October 9, 2020
Videos
Disagree? Show me evidence fitness facilities are a leading source of contagion in Ontario. Show me evidence that enough cases are coming from gyms to warrant shutting an essential health service recommended by the CMHA & CAMH as one of the best tools for mental wellness. #OnPoli
— Liberal, Not Lefty (@liberalnotlefty) October 9, 2020
Additionally, others have criticized the Province’s decision to close gyms, which haven’t been significantly linked to the spread of the virus, while schools remain open and no cap for class sizes has been implemented.
How the hell do you shut down gyms where very few fucking cases are coming from yet leave schools open? This government is a complete joke! Complete contradiction rule after rule. We sit back and just take it!#ontario #toronto @fordnation #fordnation
— Anth.D. (@Deflip10) October 9, 2020
Further, some are citing the benefits gyms provide—both physically and mentally—that they’ll now miss out on because of this new decision.
My gym has had no more than 8 people in at any time. Distanced. It has been absolutely key to my mental health over the last few weeks and I do not want to go without it. I wish there were a better way than this.
— Graham Isador (@presgang) October 9, 2020
The Province announced these new restrictions will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on October 10, and last at least for the next 28 days.
However, while many have been critical of the decision, others believe it’s been long overdue.
That's it for indoor dining, gyms, casinos, wedding receptions in Toronto, Peel and Ottawa. Ontario is bringing back some Stage 2 restrictions after refusing calls to do so for a week
— Emma Paling (@emmapaling) October 9, 2020
didn't have to be psychic to know that we'd get a second wave with all the loosened restrictions for indoor dining, bars, gyms, etc Ontario premier is a dumbass
— Ryan (@ryanerstweets) October 9, 2020
So, Mississauga, what do you think? Should the Province have closed gyms?
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