The Secretary General of the United Nations has stated that the mental health and wellbeing of societies have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are a priority to be addressed urgently.

Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. Fitness and dance needs to be considered an essential service. 

The data and statistics do not support shutting down this sector. Mandatory masks and social distancing can be maintained much easier in dance and boutique fitness settings than in bars, restaurants, schools, malls and movie theatres.  

During the March to June lockdown I lost a student to suicide, she said that dancing was the only thing that kept her going.

The focus should be on safety plans, inspections and guidance in area where studios can do better, not shutting them down. 

If you agree, please sign this petition to help Canadians stay healthy, physically and mentally during these lockdowns.