AUSactive says Western Australian Government should consider gyms an essential service following COVID-19 vaccine mandate

AUSative says that gyms in Western Australia should be classified as essential services to avoid any further lockdowns now that exercises must prove they are double-dose vaccinated before they enter.

The call by AUSactive Chief Executive Barrie Elvish follows Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan having announced on Thursday wie-ranging new proof of vaccination rules across several industries including fitness, hospitality, entertainment and recreaion that come into effect on 13st January.

Under the new protocols, all gym goers will have to show they have received at least two COVID-19 vaccinations before entering fitness clubs and gyms.

As reported by The West Australian, the same rules will apply to all hospitality venues including museums, cinemas, the zoo, amusement parks, indoor entertainment venues, and the entire Crown complex along with restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, clubs and nightclubs.

Elvish (pictured) called for the Western Australian Government to classify gyms as essential services following the mandate, noting that gyms were often some of the first venues forced to shutdown when COVID cases surged, which had resulted in a major financial toll on many businesses during the pandemic. Advising that mandatory vaccines at gyms were well received in NSW and improved the feeling of safety among customers, Elvish stated “it actually gave a lot of members confidence to return to the gym.”

Premier McGowan said the new proof of vaccination rules - the strictest in the country - would likely be in place for a number of years, and suggested restrictions on trade may be imposed when the state opened its border on 5th February.