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One of the absurdities of the current “stay at home” order in Ontario is a ban on outdoor recreational activities. This flies in the face of the current COVID-19 science. The risk of being infected with COVID-19 is much lower outdoors than indoors. Ontario’s medical and public health professionals have urged the province to permit outdoor activities. This is a perfect example of politicians not following science.

Effing insane ban.

Earlier this spring, I had entertained the notion of gathering my students at a local park for a weekend class during the summer. God knows that many of us would love to interact socially with each other and, more importantly, TRAIN! I was going to insist on masks for training purposes and our safety.

Unfortunately, the ban on outdoor recreational activities is a blanket ban. I have to tell you that the stupidity hurts. As many of you know, I taught one on one private lessons from September to December in the garage. I required masks. I dispensed hand sanitizer before each lesson and at the conclusion. As a result of our precautions, no one came down with COVID-19.

To get a sense of the space we were training in, see the below video:

If you are not able to view this video, click here.

Again, the science indicates that, concerning COVID-19, we are much safer outdoors than indoors. Theoretically, I COULD resume private lessons during this “stay at home” period. But I will not resume them for two reasons. First, there is a neighbour that my wife and I suspect might be a snitch. Not worth the hassle. Secondly, we are not fully vaccinated.

Given those reasons, the fact that we can’t have the occasional group classes at a local park during the current lockdown is all the more maddening to me.

An ideal training spot at the Ajax Waterfront Park

There are two spectacular parks in Ajax that I frequent and teach outdoor private lessons.

The Waterfront Park as seen below:

If you are not able to view this video, click here.

I also frequent the Rotary Park, where I have shot many martial arts videos for my YouTube channel. In addition, I’ve taught quite a few private lessons there. Beautiful place!

If you are not able to view the video, click here.

See the 1:28 of the Rotary Park video.

We can use all that space for outdoor training for my students, and we are not being permitted to do so under the current “stay at home” order. Unfreakingbelievable. Heck, even the golfing community is up in arms over this ban. Get this, Ontario is the only jurisdiction in North America where golf is not allowed. Insane overkill.

I have had two ironclad rules for myself during this pandemic. (1) I wear a mask anytime I’m indoors at a place other than at home; and (2) I wear a mask anytime visitors come over, whether they be family members or private lesson students. I have followed science during the pandemic and am reasonably well-informed. I have complied with the lockdown measures. Given the above, this ban on outdoor recreational activities defies science and logic.

What the hell?

Can you tell by now that I’m itching to engage in live training in private lessons or outdoor classes?

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