We’re answering your questions about the pandemic. Send yours to COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday online, and also put some questions to the experts during The National and on CBC News Network.
We’re breaking down what you need to know about the pandemic. Send us your questions via email at COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday on our website, and we’re also putting some of your questions to the experts on the air during The National and on CBC News Network. So far we’ve received more than 49,000 emails from all corners of the country.
Gyms are open. But are they safe?
As restrictions continue to ease across the country, more gyms and fitness centres are opening their doors to Canadians who might be looking to lose their so-called quarantine fifteen.
But just because the gym is open, doesn’t mean everyone is rushing back in. Flo C. wrote us to ask if fitness centres are safe, and how to handle mask-wearing when working out.
First, it’s important to remember that gyms must adhere to their local public health guidelines for safety during the pandemic, but despite measures to reduce the spread of infection, experts say gyms still carry a real risk.
“[Gyms] are slightly higher risk because people are producing more droplets with the force of their breathing,” said Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious disease physician at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. “As opposed to a casual setting where you might just be having a conversation.”
GoodLife Fitness, one of Canada’s largest fitness chains, says they’re making their clubs safer by focusing on physical distancing, reduced capacity levels, and enhanced cleaning and sanitization practices.
With some exceptions, you’ll also see staff and clients required to wear masks.
Wait. You mean I have to wear a mask the whole time?
Not necessarily.
Despite mandatory mask rules in some areas of the country, some cities, like Toronto and Calgary, have said you don’t have to wear them indoors when you’re “engaging in athletic or fitness activity.”
GoodLife has also stated they are only requiring masks when exercise is not taking place. But you’ll still have to wear one when “entering and exiting the club and in change rooms, washrooms, and other common areas,” said Jason Sheridan, senior vice-president of oper