Two Kamloops gyms have been fined $2,300 for defying provincial health orders that required gyms to close because of rising cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

RCMP spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn says police officers accompanied an Interior Health Enforcement Officer and a Kamloops Community Services Officer to No Limits Fitness at 905 8th Street on the North Shore and Anytime Fitness at 1801 Princeton-Kamloops Highway near Aberdeen Mall on Thursday, Jan. 6.

She says those visits came one day after police were notified by Interior Health, asking them to assist Health Enforcement Officers as the “two local businesses [were] allegedly in breach of Public Health orders.”

“After confirming the locations were open and operating, each business was issued a $2,300 violation ticket under the COVID Related Measure Act,” Evelyn said in a statement to NL News.

In a statement, Interior Health tells NL News the two gyms have not been ordered to close at this time.

“At this time the only closure order we have issued is to Iron Energy Fitness in West Kelowna,” the health authority said.

Several gyms, not only in Kamloops but across the province, have balked at those public health orders – which are set to expire on Jan. 18 – instead claiming they should be allowed to remain open as they feel they are essential services.

“We’re just not going to close,” No Limits Fitness co-owner Justin Grover said last month.

“We’re working on putting a class-action together. We’re gearing up. We’ve got support in Vernon. We’ve got support in Penticton, Kelowna, Prince George, Langley, Nanaimo, Terrace, Trail. They’ve reached out to us.”

In a facebook post on Monday, Jan. 3, the owners of the gym said they’re “proud of their little movement” noting there are over 200 fitness facilities that are “standing strong with us” across the province.

“As we prepare our case, we need you to send us your story… email us your story and why your mental health matters. Send us how fitness and the fitness industry has affected your mental, emotional and physical health,” the post said.

“Until we speak openly about this and demand change, we will continue to be exploited and harassed by those that choose to oppress us!”

More to come