HELP US RE-OPEN SAUNAS IN ONTARIO

As you know, we have been closed indefinitely for almost a year. We have reached out to Ontario’s government personally and through a lobby group to try and be included in the reopening plan during this time. Nothing has worked, and we have gotten little to no response from officials. 

Here is how you can help: 

• By signing the petition to reopen saunas in Ontario;
• By emailing the Premier’s office premier@ontario.ca.

After speaking to one of their staff members, we were informed that the pet groomers recently became listed as essential by grassroots calling and emailing the premier’s office.

We wish to open safely and soon. The only way we will do this is with your help. Please support us by sending an email to the premiere: premier@ontario.ca

Please be very polite, and make it personal and sincere! 

What to say:

• your name and why you are reaching out;
• why you think Ontario has mischaracterized saunas;
• why frequenting the sauna is essential (emphasis on physical and mental health);
• explain that saunas are no contact, that social distancing is possible and expected before covid even happened;
• point out that other provinces have kept saunas open without a problem;
• assure them that you have confidence in your favourite sauna facilities to operate safely.

Below is an example of an email you can work from.

“My name is ____, and I reach out to you as patron of _____ and frequenter of saunas in general.  Saunas have been completely closed for almost an entire year. This is probably because this industry is misunderstood and mischaracterized. They are not part of the reopening plan at all because most people don’t know what they are or what they do.

Saunas are excellent for both physical and mental health. These are extensive facilities that offer hot/cold therapy. They are hands-off. They can be operated safely and can follow health guidelines no worse than a restaurant or a hotel. 

Other provinces are most aware of this business sector and have kept saunas open without a problem. I have full confidence that saunas in Ontario can put public health first without closing their doors completely.

*something personal, how hot/cold therapy benefits you, etc.*

Please include saunas in stage 2 or 3 of the province’s reopening. Don’t let this industry die simply because it’s been overlooked. 

Sincerely *your name*.”

More link and details

1. Sauna facility permits social distancing, wearing masks while walking around, disinfection before and after facility use, reducing traffic, reducing patrons via schedule, and all other safety protocols that other sectors follow.
2. Even before COVID, sauna essential services were no contact, and physical distancing was socially expected.
3. There is no scientific evidence that saunas increase the spread. There is evidence to the contrary: enveloped viruses such as SAR-CoV-2 are sensitive to heat and are destroyed by temperatures tolerable to humans. There are even studies looking into if saunas can help reduce and prevent COVID.
4. Saunas are used as therapy for muscle pain by regular people as well as significant athletes (such as the Toronto Maple Leafs). Saunas improve immune health, mental health and reduce depression. 
5. Saunas have been allowed to operate during COVID-19 in Quebec ( more details here), BC,  and Nova Scotia without a single outbreak connected to these establishments.
6. Many other industries with more proximity, risk, and documented cases of infection (hookah bars, salons, adult clubs) have been allowed to open at various points in 2020.
7. For millions of Canadians who originated from different countries (Korea, Finland, Russia, Japan, Turkey, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, the Middle East), the practice of steaming is an essential part of their health & heritage. 

Please take a look at the safety reopening plan for saunas. This plan was drafted based on the protocols that have worked in other provinces. We are ready to go above and beyond, open safely, and continue serving Canadians.

Thank you very much. We truly appreciate your help and input.

The KW Sauna Team