Timmins fitness centre will continue to require proof of vaccination
Ontario businesses have weathered several lockdowns over the past two years and gyms were one of the hardest hit.
While they are no longer required to check the vaccination statuses of their members, one fitness centre in Timmins has decided to keep the rule a while longer.
Andrea Ditullio is happy Discover Fitness-Discover Performance is going to keep checking clients for their proof of having at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
"I just had a brain tumour removed in November," said Andrea Ditullio. "Fitness is so important in a cancer survivor’s journey and our recovery that we need an environment like this where we can feel safe."
Ontario is leaving it up to business owners to decide if they want to lift the vaccine requirement for their establishments.
Discover Fitness-Discover Performance co-owner Lisa Tremblay said the last couple of years have been challenging but said her members must be vaccinated to use the facility.
"Navigating these times for the last two years with uncertainties and there are still uncertainties ahead, it just seemed like the right thing to do," Tremblay said.
There are also some arenas in northeastern Ontario that will be checking vaccine passports, but those in Timmins will not. Some Timmins business owners also said they've lost too much during the lockdowns so they will not be asking people if they are vaccinated.
The province reported on the Ministry of Health website that 90 per cent of the population over the age of 12 is fully vaccinated with two doses. It also said protection may decrease over time and is not as effective for Omicron as with other variants.
Tremblay said she has not decided when she would stop checking peoples' vaccination status.
"When we can say 'we think now that this is over and we’re good to go,' we’ll make that decision, but right now, it’s too soon. It’s too fast. Not everyone feels comfortable and we also need to respect that," she said.
Capacity limits in Ontario businesses are also lifted and that is something Tremblay said she won't change either.
It's safe to say, regardless of where you want to conduct business, it would be a good idea to check up on an establishment's protocols ahead of time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
RCMP officers had no legal authority to enter man's home, make arrest: B.C. court
A B.C. man has been found not guilty of assaulting two RCMP officers – with the court finding he was resisting an "unlawful entry and arrest" in his home before he was tasered, taken down and hauled away in handcuffs.