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UPDATE: Kelowna recreation centres make changes to operations amid COVID-19 concerns

Goodlife Fitness, the YMCA and others have been affected
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All GoodLife Fitness locations across Canada are temporarily closed due to Coronavirus concerns. (Contributed)

Recreation centres throughout Kelowna are beginning to make changes to operations amid growing coronavirus concerns.

On Monday, Goodlife Fitness announced that all locations across Canada will be closed until further notice.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to close operations at all of our clubs effective Monday, Mar. 16. until further notice to ensure we are doing our part to flatten the curve and impact of COVID-19,” reads a statement issued by Goodlife Fitness Canada.

All clubs will be available for use until 9 p.m. March 16, only to inform members of the change and to let associates and members come in and pick up any personal items they may have stored at the clubs. Workouts will not be allowed past 5 a.m. on Monday, Mar. 16.

READ MORE: Okanagan Regional Library makes changes to operations amid COVID-19 concerns

The YMCA of Okanagan decided to temporarily close its Health, Fitness and Aquatic Centres as of 8 p.m. March 16 in response to preventing community spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“We are not making this decision lightly as it directly affects over 17,000 members and program participants, plus our many staff and volunteers. As a ‘people first’ organization, we will be supporting our teams through this difficult period,” said YMCA of Okanagan CEO, Sharon Peterson.

Facilities affected include Kelowna Family Y, Downtown YMCA, and H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre, which will be closed until further notice.

Unless otherwise directed by the Ministry of Health, the YMCA of Okanagan plans to continue essential services, including licensed child care and camps, to ensure those who need to work have care for their children.

“Enhanced preventative measures in our spring break camps and licensed child care programs have been put in place in order to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory illnesses including COVID-19,” stated Peterson.

World Gym and Global Gym remain open at this time.

READ MORE: COVID-19: YLW not affected by international flight suspension


Daniel Taylor
Reporter, Kelowna Capital News
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