Will gyms close again?
THE UK’s top scientists have issued a stark warning that coronavirus cases have reached a “critical” level.
Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement as early as Tuesday 22 to reveal steps the government is taking to battle to virus. – but what could it mean for gym bunnies?
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Gyms have been able to reopen since July 25[/caption]Will gyms close again?
Gyms in England have been open since Saturday, July 25.
But the Government has brought in rules limiting the number of people who can be indoors together to six people from Monday.
Boris Johnson has said repeatedly he will not hesitate to bring in new restrictions if the number of cases start to rise again.
And the number of cases has been over 2,500 since September 6, with almost 3,000 cases on Sunday and Monday, September 7.
But the new rules will not apply to gyms, which should all be Covid-secure and implementing strict social distancing guidelines to keep fitness junkies safe.
The new rules have been introduced because of coronavirus spreading while people visiting one another’s homes, either at family gatherings or at parties.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said this morning: “There are a number of exemptions, for school, because we want to protect education, for work, because workplaces already have Covid secure guidelines.”
He said people cannot meet in groups of six people in any “social settings”.
But gyms would not fall into a “social setting” because it is a workplace and a business.
The Government is desperate not to close down businesses again and stop economic growth so is unlikely to close gyms unless they absolutely have to.
Gym classes and studios have to follow strict social distancing guidelines[/caption]What are the coronavirus measures in place for gyms?
In order to stay open, gyms have to follow strict social distancing guidelines.
But there are no new rules that have been announced for gyms.
They will need to follow the same social distancing rules such as limiting the number of people allowed to work out and equipment being thoroughly disinfected after each use.
Changing rooms should be avoided and gym-goers are advised to arrive and leave in the same clothes.
Some gyms have introduced rules that mean people have to book ahead before they turn up to the gym, so that numbers can be easily limited.
Customers could be asked to spend no more than 45 minutes working out and will have screens around treadmills and other workout machines.
Gym classes should all be pre-booked and socially distanced.
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What happens to my gym membership if they do close again?
If gyms are forced to close again, you will have to contact your gym to find out their policy on memberships.
During lockdown, many gym companies have frozen all membership payments for the duration of lockdown, including The Gym Group, Pure Gym, DW Fitness First, Virgin Active, Nuffield Health and David Lloyd.
Gym fees already paid will be either refunded by most gyms or added to accounts as a credit.