Parliament to debate gyms staying open.
A petition to keep gyms open in the event of a spike in covid-19 is being debated today.
Last updated 23rd Nov 2020
A debate is taking place in parliament today (23rd November 2020) at 4:30pm, to discuss gyms staying open, in the event of a spike in covid-19.
The petition was signed by more than 600 thousand people.
It said:
"In the event of a spike we would like you not to close gyms as a measure to stop any spread of Covid. Also for gyms to not be put in the same group as pubs in terms of risk or importance.
Gyms are following strict guidelines and most members are following rules in a sober manner.
The gyms are a huge benefit for users, not just physically but mentally too. There are studies that show physical exercise can be a great boost to the immune system and releases endorphins which can prevent stress and a chain of mental illnesses.
In such a stressful time people need a viable way to exercise. Using home equipment just isn’t sufficient, unless every person in the UK has hundreds of pounds to pay out on equipment (much of which has increased in price since the pandemic)."
In response to the petition, the Government said:
“Sports and physical activity facilities are crucial for adults and children to stay active. The Government’s phased approach is based on scientific and medical advice to protect public health.”
Nick Swan, the owner of Rhino's Gymnasium in Stamford said:
"During the first lockdown we lost £80,000, we're a family run independent business, that hurt us, we've lost another £20,000 in this last month.
If we was to go into a third lockdown, it would be very difficult to sustain.
During the 4 month period we were open after the first lockdown, we had zero cases of covid.
It's a very clean place to be, our sanitising and cleaning regimes, prove they're effective."
The Prime Minister is due to unveil a plan for when England's lockdown ends at 3:30pm today (23rd November 2020), which will see tougher tiered restrictions.
Gyms are expected to reopen.