The boss of Fitness Australia has hit out at the “negative” reputation surrounding gyms and coronavirus, insisting the facilities should no longer be lumped in with places like restaurants and bars.
Chief executive Barrie Elvish said the top industry body had taken random samples from members’ electronic access cards across NSW gyms, claiming the data proved gyms were safe.
There have been more than 6.26 million check-ins across 423 gyms since they reopened in NSW on 13 June. During that same period there have been zero cases of reported community transmission in a gym, Mr Elvish said in a statement.
The same cannot be said for restaurants or bars in NSW where cluster cases have started and spread.
“However, gyms are still being categorised with these and other entertainment venues and cast in a negative light.
There has been a number of Sydney gyms that were forced to close for deep cleaning – including Fitness First Kings Cross and Fitness First Rockdale – after positive cases visited.
Planet Fitness in Casula also recorded a handful of cases, stemming from an outbreak at the nearby Crossroads Hotel.
Mr Elvish said gyms were often categorised as “hotspots” for coronavirus, and the discussion had left some members to scared to attend.
While we acknowledge there has been 13 reported cases where a member has visited the gym while infected, health authorities have not specifically identified any cases of transmission in a gym,” Mr Elvish said.
“Our industry knows how important it is to keep members and staff safe while using the gym, which is why owners and operators all over the state are going above what is required by law and putting additional health and safety practices in place, Mr Elvish said.
The Fitness Australia boss said gyms were being “unfairly categorised as hotspots”, describing it as “inaccurate and hurting the industry.
We are not part of the problem,” Mr Elvish said.
“We are actually part of the solution to getting more Australians more active more often and help prevent long-term lifestyle-related disease.
We are urging the government to work with Fitness Australia, and the industry, to ensure the health and safety of the community.
Home>>Finance>>The boss of Fitness Australia has hit out at the “negative” reputation surrounding gyms and coronavirus, insisting the facilities should no longer be lumped in with places like restaurants and bars.
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