 |
|
|
 |
03 Jul 2020
Breaking: gyms could reopen ‘in a couple of weeks’, says Boris Johnson
BY
Tom Walker
|
The Prime Minister's comments confirm that gyms and health clubs are likely to reopen in mid-July
photo: Shutterstock/NDAB Creativity
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that gyms may be able to reopen in a ‘couple of weeks’. Johnson made the comments during an interview with radio station LBC this morning (3 July).
"We are going to reopen gyms as soon as we can do it in a COVID-19-secure way and I think that the date for reopening gyms at the moment, if we can do it, is in just a couple of weeks’ time," Johnson said.
Johnson didn't, however, offer any further details.
The statement came just days after Industry body ukactive hosted a delegation of government and public health officials on visits to a number of gyms and leisure centres.
The delegation, which included deputy chief medical officer, professor Jonathan Van-Tam, and representatives of Sport England was given the opportunity to see firsthand how the fitness sector is setting up its facilities safely, in accordance with government regulations on social distancing – and aligned to the ukactive framework.
HCM understands that intense work is currently going on behind the scenes, between ukactive, industry stakeholders, the government and health officials, to finalise the process for the reopening of the sector.
Johnson and his government have come under fierce criticism from the fitness industry, thanks to the decision to keep gyms, leisure centres and other health and fitness facilities closed, while allowing pubs and restaurants to open on 4 July.
The "pubs before gyms" announcement had been described as "ludicrous", with one of the most vocal critics – Marc Diaper, CEO of Gymbox – openly challenging the decision.
On 26 June, Diaper announced that Gymbox would reopen all its gyms on 4 July, unless the UK government explains why he should not.
"Pubs opening before gyms is outrageous given the huge health benefits exercise brings," Diaper said.
"Perhaps if we change our name from Gymbox to Ginbox, Boris will let us open?"
Last month, Tanni Grey-Thompson, chair of ukactive, sent an open letter to Johnson, which called on him to justify his decision with science, allow the sector access to the chief medical officer and formally explain the reasons for not allowing reopening.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connect with
Sport Parks Leisure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| News headlines |
|
|
 |
 |
|
18 Apr 2024
The fitness sector’s pivot to active wellbeing is being discussed in a new weekly podcast, called The Conveners, and hosted by chair of GM Active and
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
17 Apr 2024
Everyone Active has launched a golfing brand, Everyone Golf, after new contract wins made it the UK’s second-largest golf operator in the UK, with ten
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
16 Apr 2024
UK Active has announced details of its annual health and fitness industry awards ceremony, which will take place in Birmingham on the evening of
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
16 Apr 2024
Social enterprise, Places Leisure, which is part of the Places for People Group, has appointed Belinda Steward as MD. Steward was previously MD at
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
15 Apr 2024
Having redefined the model of public-private collaboration in Spain, Go Fit is now expanding into Italy and has ambitious plans to grow its estate,
.... more>> |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Company profile |
|
We Work Well Inc
We Work Well is a global premier hosted buyer event company, connecting high-level executives from leading suppliers with pre-selected highly qualified buyers in the wellness and hospitality industries.
View full profile>> |
|
| Catalogue gallery |
|
|
| Featured Supplier |
|
 |
|
|
|
in this issue
• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| Latest jobs |
 |
Centre Manager
Salary: £40,221 - £42,403pa + pension + benefits
Location: Exeter, UK
Company: Exeter City Council
|
|
Director of Operations
Salary: £61,000 - £64,000 + exceptional pension + excellent benefits
Location: Luton, UK
Company: Active Luton
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Diary dates |
|
| Powered
by leisurediary.com |
 |
|
|
|
|
