NSW Government announces limited opening for indoor pools and gyms from 13th June

The NSW Government has advised that indoor pools, gyms, and yoga and dance studios will be able to reopen across NSW from 13th June 2020 with up to 10 people per class and 100 people in an indoor venue. Childrens’ sport will reopen from 1st July 2020.

From Saturday 13th June 2020, the following will be allowed in NSW:

• Fitness, gymnasiums, pilates, yoga and dance studios can reopen with up to 10 people per class and 100 people in an indoor venue

• Community centres, including their recreational facilities can reopen

• Some indoor recreational facilities including pools and saunas can reopen with restricted numbers

• Tattoo and massage parlours can reopen with up to 10 clients.

The four square metre rule must be applied at all times.

Childrens’ sport and community sport competitions can restart for those aged 18 years and under from Wednesday 1st July 2020.

The return date for adult community sport activities will be made at a later stage.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said COVID-19 safety plans for each activity or sport are critical to enable this re-start.

Minister Hazzard advised “sport and businesses will need to do things a little differently than in pre-COVID-19 times and following their safety plan is key to keeping people safe.

“Re-opening kids’ sporting competitions on 1st July 2020 gives groups and local government which manages many of these facilities, time to work through all the new changes.”

The lifting of Coronavirus restrictions impacting gyms in other Australia states includes:

ACT
Since 29th May 2020, indoor gyms and fitness centres can begin a gradual reintroduction of their businesses. Small, supervised group sessions and classes indoors can recommence, with a maximum of 20 people to an enclosed space or one person per four metre². These businesses must complete a COVID Safe plan, observe strict hand hygiene requirements and ensure physical distancing as much as possible. 

The ACT Government require no unsupervised free weight training or use of other gym equipment, and has the following restrictions on facility size:

Queensland
Gyms in Queensland are expected to re-open as of 13th June, the date when the state is expected to enter stage two of the Federal Government’s recovery plan. 

The reopening is expected to see gyms allowed to operate with up to 20 patrons at any time and will need to ensure thorough sanitisation of gym equipment, as well as social distancing during sweat sessions. 

Currently, Queenslanders are allowed to partake in outdoor activities. Up to 10 people can play non-contact sports, attend out-door boot camps and group training sessions.

South Australia
As of 12th June gyms will be able to operate a limit of 20 people (excluding staff) per room, while outdoor training groups will be permitted to operate with 20 people, plus an instructor.
24/7 (unstaffed) access will also be permitted to operate if:

1. The facility has the capacity to limit attendance to a maximum number of patrons allowed under the density requirement through use of an automated security entry/exit system
2. The facility can accurately track and report member attendance (including contact details as required by the direction) though the automated security entry/exit system

Victoria
As of last weekend, the Victorian Government announced that from 22nd June, indoor fitness and recreation facilities will open with up to 20 people per space and up to 10 people per group or activity at any one time, if transmission rates remained low and testing remains high.

Western Australia
Gyms in Western Australia re-opened on 18th May for up to 20 people, as the state entered stage two of the recovery plan. 

During this preliminary stage, patrons are being asked to bring as much of their own equipment as they can, such as yoga mats and boxing gloves.

Gyms will be avoiding the use of shared equipment during work-out sessions where possible and each business has been instructed to follow strict cleaning schedules to ensure that adequate disinfection is in place. 

Click here for more information on the NSW Government's easing rules..