After Toronto Mayor John Tory's request that his public health officials figure out a way that gyms could reopen next month, the city's chief medical officer of health says talks are going on with the province.
"It is in active discussion," Dr. Eileen de Villa said Wednesday. "Stay tuned."
As part of the city's Doors Open plan, Tory wants to ensure that once the modified Stage 2 period for Toronto - as well as several other regions - is finished, that gyms, as well as indoor dining can get back to Stage 3 activity for the long-term.
While de Villa says dialogue continues, Tory mused that some possibilities could be new occupancy limits or no group activities.
"Expect we would have a plan that isn't just static and stays the same all the time in a circumstance that's rapidly changing," Tory said. "And I'm sure that we can come out with something."
Gyms and other exercise spaces were paused, along with indoor dining, on October 10th in Toronto, as well as Peel and Ottawa, due to increasing cases in the hot zones.
Dance studios were originally part of the order as well, but after pushback, the province relented, causing further frustration among gym owners.
Health Minister Christine Elliott addressed gyms Wednesday.
"We have been advised by public health doctors that that is a place where transmission is happening," she said. "So we are not going to change that regulation or rule - it will stay in place for 28 days and then we will see."
Elliott added Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams is also working on new measures to protect people in gyms.