NSW Chief Health Officer advises that gyms should be staffed

Fitness Australia has today advised of a notification from the NSW Chief Health Officer suggesting that “gyms should ideally be staffed during all operational hours”.

Aimed at reducing the rise in community transmission clusters of COVID-19 in NSW, the advice will impact 24/7 gyms with Fitness Australia advising that it “understands this will be a challenge for many operators” and that “the advice is not yet a legal directive”.

In a social media post, the peak body goes on to say “Fitness Australia advises all gyms and operators to make their own decision as to how they will respond to this expectation while taking into consideration the welfare of their members and potential legal and insurance concerns.

“Gyms can be a COVID safe environment when strict procedures are enforced, and many facilities and businesses are already going above and beyond to ensure the health and safety everyone.

“However, we strongly advise all members to adopt the Queensland Industry COVID Safe Plan developed by Fitness Australia and consider increasing the frequency of thorough facility cleaning regimes.”

Fitness Australia is continuing to work closely with the NSW Department of Health and the Chief Health Officer and notes “we will keep you informed of further communication as we receive it.”

Click here to view the formal notification Fitness Australia received from NSW Department of Health.

Image courtesy of VBS.