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Richmond Hill closes fitness centres as city moves to modified Stage 2

Ed Sackfield indoor walking track will be closed too

Yorkregion.com
October 20, 2020
Sheila Wang

As the City of Richmond Hill is expected to move to modified Stage 2 on Oct. 19, the city is making a number of changes to recreation activities in response to the additional public health measures announced by the Ontario government.

The city announced on Oct. 16 in a press release that indoor in-person fitness and dance classes will be cancelled, and fitness centres/weight rooms and Ed Sackfield indoor walking track will be closed.

Meanwhile, skating lessons, public skating, aquafit and swim lessons will be cancelled as well.

Those who are impacted by cancelled programs and closed facilities will be contacted directly. The city will fully refund all user fees charged.

“Don’t be disheartened by this second wave,” Mayor Dave Barrow said in a statement issued the same day. “Instead be more determined to stay home whenever possible, use video and phone calls to stay connected and ensure your actions help protect your loved ones.”

There were a total of 691 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Richmond Hill, including 610 resolved cases and 10 deaths, as of Oct. 16.

Premier Doug Ford says York Region will enter the modified Stage 2 that Toronto, Peel Region, and Ottawa have been in since Oct. 10.

That means no indoor dining or drinks service in restaurants and bars in York Region, starting Oct. 19.

Richmond Hill will continue the following programs and activities with capacity restrictions and other health and safety measures in place:

The total number of participants for all continuing activities and rentals cannot exceed 10 people (indoors) and 25 people (outdoors).

These limits may be lower in areas where two metres physical distancing can’t be maintained.