‘They had zero compassion’: Kelowna yoga studios join COVID closure defiance

• Staying open to benefit physical and mental health
• Want stats to prove yoga studios are a problem
• Claim they have continued support from clients

Two Kelowna yoga studios, which remain open despite an order they remain shut, are hoping the government is set to make what they see as the right decision to re-open gyms, fitness centres and dance studios.

On Dec.22, the province closed them down, along with bars and night clubs, in response to the rising COVID-19 numbers.

Both Bliss Yoga Lounge and Our Yoga Space have requested to see data through a Freedom of Information Request but say they have yet to see any numbers showing yoga studios are the cause of the spread.

“They had zero compassion whatsoever,” owner of Bliss Yoga Lounge Tara Greer told Kelowna10.

The order to close was issued by Dr. Bonnie Henry and like all such measures in this region, is enforced through warnings and ultimately fines from Interior Health.

“They sent me one line saying, ‘please see attached warning letter,’ and I responded back again saying if you can show me some data that proves yoga studios are part of the problem, I’ll reconsider my decision.”

Greer said she has sent letters to the government from clients who are vulnerable that highlight how beneficial staying open has been to them.

“They struggled throughout those closures. For us to stay open they have felt appreciative. It just reaffirmed our position,” she said. “We’ve all struggled over these past couple years, and we really need these health and wellness practices in our lives to keep us grounded and in a good mental state.”

She hopes the government comes to an understanding about the seriousness of closing health and wellness centers.

Dr. Henry has previously stated gyms and fitness centres are ‘amplifiers’ of the virus because of the highly socially connected demographic that uses them. However, she has not publicly produced specific data on the role such establishments have had in transmission.

“I feel these fines are a fear tactic to make us close and what we have to do is fight back in order to stop this from happening, otherwise it’s going to keep happening,” Greer said. “It’s destroying our economy on top of our mental health.”

Taylor Morrice, owner of Our Yoga Space, who has now been fined by IH, said she’s hoping for changes in the order from Dr. Henry next week, and hopes the government understands what these restrictions are doing financially for business owners.

The government is offering a one-time grant to small businesses closed by the latest order, but that is as little as $1,000 for sole-operators and $2,000 for those who have between one and four employees.

“Kelowna’s filled with entrepreneurs and small businesses and it’s such a heavy impact when we’re having to close down,” she said. “We are hoping we can reopen because the subsidies that came out this round, won’t cover our rent. It’s one decision I hope [the government] doesn’t take lightly and I hope they make the right one.”

Morrice is friends with Iron Energy Gym owner Brian Mark whose been very vocal about his frustration with the mandate, and who also has refused to close. He has been fined by Interior Health. She said he has been someone she looks to as an example of how to get through this.

“He definitely gave us some input of what they’ve seen through their community and clientele. We have not had anybody cancel their membership, we haven’t had anybody unsupportive that were part of our community to begin with,” she said. “He’s been a really great help dealing with certain scenarios and situations. It’s nice to talk to someone else going through that was well.”

Morrice adds the only negative comments they have received are from people outside the community.

An update announcement from the government regarding the status of the order that has forced the closure of gyms and yoga studios is expected Tuesday Jan.18.