Some Quebec fitness businesses says they will reopen despite COVID-19 restrictions

 

A group of about 200 Quebec gym, yoga, dance and martial arts business owners say they anticipate reopening their doors on Thursday despite provincial health regulations.

On October 8, Quebec introduced new public health measures for regions under the province's highest COVID-19 alert level, shutting down gyms and putting limits on team sports.

The businesses are calling on Quebec Premier Francois Legault to lift COVID-19 restrictions that had required fitness facilities to close this month.

According to a statement, it is said that their establishments contribute to the overall physical and mental health of the population and they were not the source of COVID-19 outbreaks.

They also say that lockdown measures will force them out of business after they've made substantial investments to comply with health measures during the pandemic.

The owners say they plan to reopen across the province but will reconsider doing so if health authorities can prove fitness centres' lead to outbreaks.

Last week, Legault hinted that some red zone restrictions would remain in place even as the initial 28-day lockdown in Montreal and Quebec City to come to and end on Wednesday.

A news conference will be held this afternoon.