New COVID restrictions see South Australian gyms restricted to one person for every seven square metres

A rise in Coronavirus infections has seen South Australian Premier Steven Marshall tighten venue density limits and reduce family gathering sizes.

A range of new restrictions were announced for South Australia, beginning from 11.59pm on Sunday that include indoor hospitality having to operate a one person per four square metre rule, outdoor activities will be allowed one person for every two square metres and family gatherings reduced from 30 to 10 people.

South Australians have also been encouraged to work from home and reduce travel.

However, the most severe restrictions have been applied to gyms and fitness centres which have returned to having to operate at one person for every seven square metres.

Premier Marshall said he would move quickly to ensure new daily infections wouldn’t descend into the thousands over the coming days and weeks, advising “we are increasingly concerned about the new Omicron variant

“It will overwhelm our health system and seriously undermine our workforce’s ability to respond to this Omicron outbreak.”

The restriction on fitness facilities has seen reports that operators are pleading for financial support from the South Australian Government.

As reported by Adelaide newspaper The Advertiser, David Craggs, Managing Director of BioFit at Noarlunga, stated “there’s frustration with the situation but we totally understand we are businesses that are bringing people together and that’s what they’re trying to limit,” he said.

Craggs advised that the facility, that operates in a near 800 metre² space, will continue to operate but acknowledged that some in the industry do not have the space to comply with the new restrictions.

Craggs said there had already been a downturn, and called for urgent financial assistance for affected businesses.

“as a small business … how do we get through the coming months if every other day we’re having to change our operations or shut for a few days?

“Our running costs don’t change. We’ve got our set costs to run the facility and I guess what we’re starting to see now is an element of risk mitigation by individuals.

“So that’s led to a downturn in income … that’s understandable, but we need help.”

The Advertiser reported that other fitness operators have been forced to close their doors temporarily because of COVID-19 exposures.