The response has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of you signing and sharing. It is really important to get the word out there about this petition so we can show the government that small, independent gyms are supported by British Columbians and are integral to our collective health and well-being.

Since the news story, we have reached out again to CBC to do a more complete story on the situation with small gyms, we've connected to more gym owners and we've submitted a Personal Freedom of Information Request for the briefing notes, memos and data that were used in making the decision to close gyms. FOI requests can take up to 30 days to fulfil which is too long to change this closure but perhaps can create additional pressure on the government to be transparent and clear. We continue to speak with our MLA about our situation and we encourage you to reach out to your own (contact info for MLAs below).

The province has announced one-time grants for businesses affected by the closure. Grants from $1,000 - $10,000 will be available in January but our rent is still due January 1. We want to continue to support our employees. The changes to the federal government program for employees mean only $300 per week. Our employees (and ourselves) need to pay our own rent and eat. Again, this is too little, too late, and applications are made after you've lost your income or revenue.

Additionally, I have since learned that the Fitness Industry Council met with Dr. Henry today at 2:30 pm (we were not invited) and I am waiting to hear of any outcomes from that meeting.

Thank you again for all your support. I'll provide another update tomorrow. If you missed the news and radio program yesterday, find @anthony.agtarap on Instagram.

Coming soon: survey for gym owners and gym-goers to report any cases of transmission at their gyms. The purpose is to gather anecdotal evidence about small gyms. In health data collections, there is no distinction between large fitness facilities and small so this will help when I receive the data from my FOI.