Huron Perth Public Health clarifies Rec Fitness Facility Policy

Huron Perth Public Health issued a clarification this afternoon on what the abilities for gyms and other rec fitness facilities have to be open during the province wide shutdown.

The use of in-person sports and rec fitness facilities is prohibited under Ontario Regulation 82/20 unless:

• a person possesses a disability as defined under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and has received written instruction for physical therapy form a regulated health professional and is not engaged in physical therapy elsewhere
• The facility is operated by or open solely for
  • Athletes, coaches, officials training or competing to be a part of Team Canada at the next Summer or Winter Olympic or Paralympic Games
  • Sports team listed under Ontario Regulation 82/20
  • Day camps operated as per Covid-19 safety guidelines produced by the Office of the Chief medical Officer of Health for Ontario
  • Authorized Child Care Centre or Rec and Skill Building Program (as defined by the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014)
  • The Provision of mental health support services, addiction support services or social services. Provisions provided for mental health and addiction services are very limited in scope and only allow for the continuation of existing programs

Under provincial regulation, indoor and outdoor recreation fitness activities are subject to the requirements and restrictions listed under Schedule 2 – Section 48 of Ontario Regulation 82/20. Indoor fitness activities may not simply be moved outdoors and fitness classes are not permitted.