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New restrictions on sports and recreation are coming to B.C.

In a statement Wednesday evening, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the ban of all indoor adult team sports. 

Fitness classes that were previously allowed — such as yoga, tai chi and pilates — have also been suspended until new guidelines can be developed. High-intensity fitness activities like spin and classes were already banned.

“These new guidelines will be available next week and will require some changes to COVID-19 safety plans. Approval is not needed for the updated plans, but monitoring and enforcement will be targeted to these locations and activities,” Dr. Henry said in her statement.

The ban on all indoor adult team sports is wide reaching and includes: basketball, cheerleading, combat sports, martial arts, floor hockey, floor ringette, ice hockey, ringette, netball, skating, soccer, squash and volleyball. All levels of play are impacted.

Structured child and youth sport programs will continue to be allowed, but must follow ViaSport Phase 2 requirements. The province was previously at Phase 3.

Phase 2 requires restrictions on contact activities, modified games, small groups and no spectators. ViaSport’s phase activity chart can be found here.

“We know the restrictions put an added burden on what is an already difficult time for all of us, but they are what is required right now,” Dr. Henry said.

“Despite the fatigue, let’s stand strong against this virus. We are asking everyone in B.C. to please do a bit more right now and help everyone to see us through to the light ahead.”

More information is expected to be released at Dr. Henry’s media availability on Thursday afternoon. The associated public health orders will be posted online soon, said the statement.