Australasian Leisure Management
Jul 31, 2020

Melbourne gym hosts anti-mask conspiracy theorists meeting

A group of Coronavirus conspiracy theorists have ignored social distancing requirements during a meeting at Melbourne gym.

Held on Sunday at The Combat Athlete gym in the suburb of Cranbourne, the anti-mask conspiracy theorists gather to discuss the conduct of Victorian Police and government “lies”.

The meeting, part of a broader movement of 'sovereign citizens' who use the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act to challenge the law.

One attendee posted an image of the meeting on Facebook which showed the group was ignoring Stage three restrictions and not wearing masks or social distancing.

He wrote "a great night together discussing the putrid conduct of the police, government and media lies.

“We are strong and won’t bow down to these oppressors.

“God bless the righteous and give them power to prevail.”

The meeting was addressed by a woman who has risen to prominence having filmed herself driving through a Victoria Police checkpoint.

Coronavirus cases sees Fitness First close two Sydney gyms
Fitness First has been forced to close two of its clubs in Sydney this week - in Kings Cross and St Leonards - after infected members worked out at the facilities.

As of Tuesday this week Fitness First in Kings Cross was undergoing a deep clean after a person with COVID-19 took a class there last week.

The gym in the Sydney suburb of Potts Point, was placed on high alert amid a cluster of new cases.

Advising that the infected person took the class last Monday, Fitness First advised in a statement “Fitness First Kings Cross was made aware by the NSW Health Department that an individual who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 visited its Kings Cross club on July 20 to attend a class only, and did not use the gym floor or facilities.

“NSW Health has already contacted those members that have been identified as being in close contact with the person diagnosed with COVID-19.

“Fitness First Kings Cross has followed all the NSW Health recommendations and guidelines in relation to this matter, including providing them with the details of all members who are required to self-isolate as a result of being in contact with the member.

“Fitness First has been advised that all members who are required to self-isolate have been contacted and no other members, staff or visitors to the club are at risk.

“The club has undergone a process of deep cleaning in addition to increased daily cleaning that has been taking place since the club reopened in June. The club remains open and safe for all those visiting.”

As of yesterday (30th July), the chain as closed its club in the suburb of St Leonards for deep cleaning having been was notified of a confirmed case that attended the club on 27th July.

Images: A group of Coronavirus conspiracy theorists meet at the Combat Athlete gym in Cranbourne (top) and Fitness First St Leonards was closed as yesterday for deep cleaning (below).

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