COVID-19案子numberscontinuing to trend upwards, officials have been introducing new restrictions for certain businesses in Ontario — and specifically Toronto — to help mitigate the spread of the deadly virus in public settings.

Premier Doug Ford last weekannounced tighter rules for gyms, which include new capacity limits of 10 people in fitness classes and 50 people in centres in general, along withmandatory masking indoorsno matter where they are in the province (except during physical exercise).

But some health officials are calling for even more measures in fitness facilities to keep the communicable disease at bay; Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa recently asked Ford to permit herto cancel all indoor classes in generalat fitness facilities in the city, which isone of the province's key COVID hotspots.

Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health recommends the Province take immediate action to stop the further spread of#COVID19. News release:https://t.co/VaeJR6ItmOpic.twitter.com/QuKae2uGZo

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto)October 2, 2020

虽然没有实现德别墅的再保险commendations, Toronto's struggling gyms are now fearing another potential lockdown after already being forced to shutter for many months earlier this year.

Gymgoers are likewise worried about potential impending restrictions or full-on closures, taking to social media to remind officials that facilities are subject to the same pandemic operating rules as other businesses, and are thus safe.

Enough is enough@fordnation@celliottabilityfitness studios have been subject to regular health dept inspection and are SAFE!! Fitness improves ppl’s health so we need to stay open!!#KeepGymsOpen

— Poolside in SO (@JoLa_501)October 7, 2020

Many are also reiterating the importance of physical fitness to overall health and well-being, and that gyms are especially needed during the dreary winter months when getting outdoors to exercise isn't a realistic option.

There are also the economic concerns to take into account, with non-essential businesses and the economy at large still reeling from the lengthy mandatory lockdown earlier this year.

#KeepGymsOpenWe need it for our mental and physical health, especially during the winter!@fordnation@celliottability@PrabSarkaria@MichaelParsa#f45pic.twitter.com/3wlifF5XDF

— Ruth O (@oBabyRutho)October 7, 2020

The hashtag #KeepGymsOpen has been circulating as a result for Toronto specifically, as well as for other jurisdictions around the world, and petitions launched to keep them open and operating as fully as possible.

"Our neighborhood gyms are mostly family-owned and are so much more than just a place where we work out. They are an essential part of our community, keeping us healthy and sane in these crazy times we live in,"one Change.org petitionout of Toronto states.

"Boutique gyms likeour beloved F45 studiosgo above and beyond to keep us safe... Keep our local gyms open, help small business owners survive in these tough times, they won't make it otherwise."

Before taking a sweeping action, pls bear in mind gyms are crucial for the mental health of many highly disciplined Ontarians. Local gym operators like Kurt/Alyce at F45 Ossington are also key contributors to community and econ.#KeepGymsOpen@fordnation@JessicaBellTO@JohnTory

— Dan Z (@djzh)October 7, 2020

But with recent infections among staff at Toronto area locations of popular gym chains likeGoodLife FitnessandBarry's Bootcamp— along with the fact that some trainers have citeda lack of adherence to safety protocolsin certain facilities — many residents are understandably wary of keeping gyms open.

As with restaurants and bars, it has proven quite the task to weigh the risks and benefits of keeping things open to certain degrees, and to find a balance that prioritizes the health of the public, but also the economy and people who have their entire livelihoods invested in their business.

Fitness buffs and gym owners will, like everyone else, just have to wait and see what restrictions may lay aheadin the second wave.